During the work session, a commissioner asked the board to consider what Washington County could do to help residents affected by recent immigration enforcement actions, including whether the county should declare a state of emergency to unlock supports similar to moves made in other jurisdictions.

“Families are impacted. There are financial and legal consequences,” the commissioner said, asking, “What can we do as a board of commissioners to be there for our communities who are impacted by these raids?” The commissioner asked whether declaring a state of emergency or other board actions might help residents who are losing jobs and facing difficulty paying rent.

Board members did not propose formal action during the work session. The chair and other commissioners emphasized limits on the county’s authority: one commissioner noted the county cannot provide legal advice and that the county’s capacity to add direct funding is constrained by recent layoffs and limited reserves. The chair recommended focusing on strengthening support for community‑based organizations that are already providing legal and financial assistance.

One commissioner said they would follow up offline with ideas for a possible package of responses and that staff should work with community partners to identify needs and options. County staff also noted existing county programs, including Access and Opportunity, that aim to maintain services for community members regardless of immigration status.

No vote or emergency declaration was taken. Commissioners asked staff to continue conversations with community partners and to report back if there are concrete programmatic steps the county can take within legal and budgetary limits.