WA state sheriff defies sanctuary laws, sends message to ICE: 'Put me on speed dial'

The Sheriff of Klickitat County in Washington state announced he would be defying the state's sanctuary laws for illegal immigrants, and told Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) that his department stands ready to assist with mass deportation operations. Sheriff Bob Songer believes the state's sanctuary laws are "unconstitutional," and as a result, he will not be enforcing them. Additionally, the sheriff told ICE to put him on "speed dial" and called on other state sheriffs to stand with him.

Sheriff Songer released a video message on Facebook, saying, "I want to send a message to ICE. If you need any help at all, put me on speed dial. We will be there to help you. We will not protect illegal criminals who are in our country."

Under Washington state law, local and state law enforcement agencies are prohibited from assisting federal authorities with immigration-related matters. The law includes a restriction on informing ICE when illegal immigrant criminals are scheduled to be released from local jails, even if they have committed crimes such as child sex abuse and homicide. This prevents ICE from taking them into federal custody. The law is called the "Keep Washington State Working Act," which mirrors Oregon's "Sanctuary Promise Act."

The sheriff said he believes the state's immigration laws endanger the public, and that it's his duty as a sheriff to protect the citizens of his county. Songer made it clear that he would not assist the state in protecting illegal immigrants who are engaged in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other various crimes.

"The main ones [ICE] want to come after first is the criminal illegals and we will help them any way we can," Sheriff Songer said. "I don't care if this is a blue state, a sanctuary state...Our governor has an obligation for the safety of our state. If they refuse, that's on them. But this sheriff is not going to refuse to help ICE. We will be there to help ICE to do the job."

"I hope a lot of other sheriffs across this state will do the same thing," said Songer. "That's why you want an elected sheriff because you are the elected sheriff's boss. Not the governor. Not the board of county commissioners. You are our boss, period! And we're doing it for your safety and for the safety of our county within the state of Washington."

Throughout the years, the state has released many jailed illegal immigrants accused of heinous crimes out into the public after refusing to honor ICE detainers. Border Czar Tom Homan said these policies not only endanger the public but the arresting immigration officers and the illegal immigrants, as well. Homan instructed officials in sanctuary states that are obstructing immigration operations to "step aside" because "ICE is coming" regardless of their sanctuary legislation.

On February 5, shortly after being sworn into office, Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered the Department of Justice to pause all federal funding to sanctuary cities. The Justice Department also sued several sanctuary states for impeding immigration operations, such as Chicago and New York. AG Bondi announced this week that additional lawsuits could be on the way

The Trump administration's showdown with Democratic-run sanctuary states happened immediately after President Trump signed a series of border security executive orders intended to address illegal immigration, such as mass deportation operations, ending Biden's catch-and-release policies, and others.