Current Crisis

Under the current Trump administration, noncitizens find themselves at unprecedentedly high risk of ICE arrest and detention (this includes both undocumented people and also those with lawful status). If someone you know has been detained by ICE and is at risk of transfer to a detention center outside Washington, or removal to a third country, you can reach out to the habeas team at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at [email protected]. To report ICE enforcement actions you can reach out to the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN).

Legislative History in Washington State

During the first Trump administration, in the face of an (at that time) unprecedented dragnet to round up and deport noncitizens, Washington communities rallied to motivate our legislature and Governor to take equally unprecedented steps to push back and provide some measure of safety to noncitizens and communities here. WDA was honored to play a key role in these efforts, which resulted in two landmark victories that provided a road map for other states.

In 2019, the advocacy coalition successfully advocated for the passage of the Keep Washington Working Act. The Act put in place ground-breaking restrictions prohibiting local law enforcement agencies, including jails, from collaborating with ICE and CBP (Border Patrol). It further required them to take affirmative steps to recognize the rights of noncitizens in their custody. See RCW 10.93.160

In 2020 when ICE started aggressively rounding up noncitizens seeking to access justice and assistance in our courthouses, the coalition again mobilized to pass the Courts Open To All Act. The Act significantly restricts arrests in and around courthouses of people suspected of civil immigration violations (such as not having lawful immigration status). It further prohibits courts and prosecutors from sharing information with ICE and CBP for purposes of civil immigration enforcement. See RCW 2.28