King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160) restricts state and local agencies from immigration questioning and detainers.
King County passed Ordinance 18467 in 2017, codified in King County Code Title 2.15, limiting county employees from inquiring about immigration status, honoring federal civil immigration detainers, or using county resources for civil immigration enforcement. The 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, RCW 10.93.160, extends similar limits statewide, and the Courts Open to All Act, RCW 10.93.250, restricts civil immigration enforcement at courthouses. The King County Sheriff's Office, jail, and Public Defender follow these rules. Federal criminal warrants are still honored; immigration detainers are not.
County employees who improperly inquire about immigration status, share information beyond what is required, or honor civil detainers can be subject to discipline, training, and county or state oversight investigations.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave program (RCW 49.86) provides up to 12 weeks of partially paid leave, and RCW 49.46.200 requires employers to provi...
See how King County's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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