Spokane County Superior Court Judge John Miller issued a ruling Friday that Adams County Sheriff’s Office violated Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act by providing daily inmate lists, release‑time forecasts, and interview access to federal immigration agents. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by the Washington Attorney General’s Office in March 2025.
State Law at Issue
The Keep Washington Working Act, enacted to protect the state’s immigrant communities and preserve local control over law‑enforcement resources, expressly prohibits county agencies from sharing custody information with federal immigration authorities without a court order. The judge found that Adams County’s practices – sending new in‑custody lists each day, disclosing anticipated release times, and allowing federal agents to interview detainees – directly contravened the statute.
Attorney General’s Response
Attorney General Nick Brown praised the ruling, stating, “This is a victory for the rights and dignity of all Washingtonians, regardless of where they were born, and an affirmation that local law enforcement cannot be co‑opted by the federal government.” He added that the decision enables the state to continue building trust between law‑enforcement and immigrant communities, especially as the current administration’s immigration enforcement policies threaten those efforts.
Background and Negotiations
According to the AG’s office, negotiations with Adams County spanned two years before the lawsuit was filed. The county abruptly changed its stance in January 2025, shortly after President Trump’s inauguration, prompting the state to act. The AG’s office argued that the county’s cooperation with federal immigration officials undermined the state’s commitment to humane, community‑focused policing.
Implications for Local Law Enforcement
The ruling sends a clear message to counties across Washington: compliance with state immigration‑protection statutes is mandatory, and any deviation will be met with legal challenge. Sheriff’s departments will need to review their policies and ensure that no information is shared with federal immigration officials unless a court order is obtained.
What Residents Should Know
For Washington residents, the decision reinforces the state’s dedication to protecting all community members from overreach by the federal government. Families and faith‑based groups can take comfort that local law‑enforcement agencies are being held accountable to state law, preserving the dignity and safety of everyone in the community.
Next Steps
Adams County has 30 days to file an appeal. In the meantime, the AG’s office will continue monitoring county compliance and may pursue additional actions if violations persist. The ruling also encourages other counties to proactively align their policies with the Keep Washington Working Act, fostering statewide consistency.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
