A Spokane County Superior Court judge issued a ruling on Friday that Adams County violated Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act by providing assistance to federal immigration officials. The decision marks the first time a court has examined the merits of the 2019 state law, which limits cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement.
According to a release from the Washington Attorney General’s Office, the lawsuit filed in March 2025 alleged that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office sent daily in‑custody lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), shared anticipated release times, allowed ICE agents to interview detainees at the county jail, and failed to adopt policies required by the Keep Washington Working Act. The judge found these actions to be violations of state law.
Attorney General Nick Brown praised the ruling, calling it “a victory for the rights and dignity of all Washingtonians, regardless of where they were born,” and stating that it affirms that local law enforcement cannot be co‑opted by the federal government. Brown added that the decision helps the state continue building trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, especially as the federal administration pursues policies he described as “draconian.”
Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner strongly disagreed with the judgment. In a statement, Wagner argued that Washington’s sanctuary policies place “unnecessary restrictions on law enforcement” and create “opportunities for dangerous individuals to return to our communities rather than be held accountable.” He emphasized his belief that “no law should prevent local law enforcement from working with federal authorities when doing so can help keep violent criminals off our streets and protect law‑abiding residents.” Wagner indicated that the sheriff’s office will explore all available legal challenges to the decision.
The ruling comes amid ongoing debates in Washington state over the balance between protecting immigrant rights and ensuring public safety. Lawmakers passed the Keep Washington Working Act in 2019 to restrict state and local agencies from assisting federal immigration enforcement, reflecting a broader sanctuary stance adopted by the state.
Legal experts note that the decision could set a precedent for how other counties handle requests from ICE, potentially prompting further litigation as counties assess their compliance with the state law.
What’s next: Adams County has indicated it will file an appeal and pursue other legal avenues to contest the ruling. The Washington Attorney General’s Office said it will continue to enforce the Keep Washington Working Act and monitor county compliance. Residents and advocacy groups are expected to watch the appeals process closely, as the outcome may affect how local law enforcement agencies across the state interact with federal immigration officials.
