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[King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) policies for protecting immigrants and refugees were formalized following Executive Order No. 2026-[xx] signed by Executive Girmay Zahilay on February 12, 2026, which directs the office to prioritize public safety without interfering in federal civil immigration enforcement. The KCSO does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and does not honor detainer requests (administrative warrants) unless they are signed by a judge, in adherence with the Keep Washington Working Act.]
https://b-townblog.com/king-county-sheriffs-office-outlines-policies-for-responding-to-ice-activity-in-local-communities/
Protecting immigrants and refugees in King County
This resource explains how KCSO addresses community concerns about safety, trust, and our interactions with federal immigration agencies. It details what deputies do and how we ensure our work remains transparent, community‑centered, and distinct from federal civil immigration enforcement. It also includes a Q&A section to clarify community questions and concerns.
Many community members have shared concerns about safety, trust, and how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration agencies. The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) understands that these issues can create fear and uncertainty, especially for immigrant and mixed-status families.
This document outlines how KCSO approaches these concerns, the responsibilities of our deputies, and the steps we take to ensure our work remains transparent, community-centered, and separate from federal civil immigration enforcement.
How KCSO Responds to Reports Involving ICE or Federal Immigration Activity
Call 911 if you believe:
There is an immediate threat to public safety
A crime is happening
Someone may be impersonating an officer
KCSO deputies will prioritize responding to the scene in the following situations:
It is unclear whether people claiming to be immigration officers are officers.
There are concerns that a crime is being committed or that someone’s safety is at risk.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities are or may be occurring on property where they are not allowed, including King County owned or leased properties.
When a deputy arrives, they will follow KCSO policy, which includes:
Turning on their body-worn camera
Assessing the situation
Speaking with the person who called 911 – using interpretation services if needed
Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate
Working to de-escalate the situation
Documenting the incident
Reporting the incident to a supervisor.
What KCSO deputies will document:
If a deputy responds to a call about federal immigration enforcement activity, they will document:
Why the community member called 911
Attempts to check the identity of the officers on scene
What happened at the end of the call
Deputies will save all documentation in KCSO's official systems, including dispatch records, written reports, and body camera video.
KCSO will report any possible criminal violations by federal immigration agents to the King County Executive Office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
If the incident involves suspected criminal activity, such as actions that result in serious bodily injury or death, KCSO will share all relevant evidence it has with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to assist the Prosecutor’s Office in determining the appropriate legal action.
Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and How to Identify Law Enforcement
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is committed to serving all community members across King County with professionalism, transparency, and respect.
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/sheriff/about-king-county/about-sheriff-office/immigrants-refugees