PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Pierce County Council’s recent resolution to limit the use of county resources for immigration enforcement has sparked controversy, with Sheriff Keith Swank voicing strong opposition.
The resolution aligns with Washington state’s ‘Keep Washington Working Act,’ which restricts local governments’ involvement in federal immigration enforcement. Swank criticized the council’s decision, calling it unconstitutional and pledging to defy the order.
“If the council thinks they can get involved in telling me what I can and can’t do as an independently elected sheriff, they’re sadly mistaken,” Swank said.
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Swank also expressed his desire for the issue to be addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I’m against it, and I want it to be brought forward to the U.S. Supreme Court so they’re rule on it so that we can determine where we should go with it,” he said.
The resolution prohibits the use of county resources to support most federal surveillance or registration programs. Swank warned that this could lead to confusion.
I have people from the federal government saying you’re supposed to enforce immigration law violations, and I have people from the state government saying you’re not allowed to do it,” Swank said. “So I’m being pulled both ways.
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During a council meeting, residents shared their views on the county’s approach to immigration enforcement. Swank expressed concern about potential repercussions.
“It shows that we’re sanctuary state, sanctuary county, the federal government is going to take funding away from us,” he said.
Council members supporting the resolution emphasized its intent to build trust, particularly within immigrant communities. Councilmember Bryan Yambe stated, “unless it’s required by law or court order. We are still going after criminals and we are still going after people who are a threat to public safety and making our communities less safe.”
Sheriff Swank maintained that officers should act based on the situation rather than politics, assuring that his top priority remains the safety of residents.
