HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Keep Washington Working JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Greg Brotherton, District 3 Commissioner
DATE: March 2, 2026
SUBJECT: Keep Washington Working Proclamation
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
This proclamation, which is based on one adopted by the city of Sequim that embodies the principles of the
Keep Washington Working Act states Jefferson County's position on the protection of Immigrant rights and
enforcement.
ANALYSIS:
Jefferson County received this proclamation from members of Indivisible and checked with the Jefferson
County Immigrant Rights Advocates (JCIRA) and the Jefferson County Sheriff on the language.
RECOMMENDATION
Read and adopt the proclamation.
REVIEWED BY:
/ 03/20/26
Josh Peters, County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
KEEP WASHINGTON WORKING
WHEREAS, Jefferson County is aware of concerns related to federal immigration enforcement activities
occurring in other communities and the uncertainty these actions may cause; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County remains committed to serving and protecting all community members,
regardless of immigration status, reflecting existing practice and consistency with Washington State law;
and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Keep Washington Working Act and the Jefferson County Sheriff
Department policy, local law enforcement does not engage in federal civil immigration enforcement; and
WHEREAS, immigration status is not a factor in local law enforcement decision-making and officers are
prohibited from taking actions based solely on a person's immigration status; and
WHEREAS, federal immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal authorities, and Jefferson
County does not have jurisdiction over federal law enforcement agencies and may not interfere with federal
agents' lawful activities; and
WHEREAS, at this time, the Jefferson County Commissioners are not aware of any current or planned
immigration enforcement activity occurring within the community; and
WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Sheriff Department supports the recent joint statement issued by the
Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC)and the Washington Council of
Police and Sheriffs (WACOPS), which reaffirms the distinction between local and federal authority, the
importance of constitutional protections, and the need for professionalism, transparency, and de-escalation
during periods of heightened tension; and
WHEREAS, the community is encouraged to report public safety concerns by calling 911, and the Jefferson
County Sheriff Department will respond consistently with applicable law and policy, and no one should
hesitate to seek emergency assistance due to concerns about immigration status; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County remains committed to maintaining public safety, public trust, and a respectful
community for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, Jefferson County reaffirms and proclaims our commitment to these principles and to
the safety and well-being of all community members by approving this proclamation to
KEEP WASHINGTON WORKING
PROCLAIMED this 23`d day of March, 2026.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Greg Brotherton, Chair
ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Heidi Eisenhour, Member