Lewis County commissioners adopt non‑sanctuary resolution after lengthy public comment

The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners voted 3‑0 on July 8 to adopt Resolution 25‑158, which reaffirms that “Lewis County is not a sanctuary county” and states the county will cooperate with federal immigration authorities to the extent permitted by Washington law.

The resolution, read into the record by Commissioner Sean Swope, says the measure “confirms our existing position and takes critical steps to ensure that Lewis County is removed from the Department of Homeland Security list of sanctuary jurisdictions,” language Swope said is necessary to protect roughly $37,000,000 in federal funding the county expects this year.

Why it matters: passage of the resolution comes after extensive public comment from more than 30 speakers and a period of discussion among the commissioners about the county’s exposure to federal notification lists and potential loss of grants and infrastructure funding.

Supporters at the meeting said the resolution clarifies the county’s position on cooperation with federal law enforcement and on maintaining public safety. Kenneth Cavallen, who identified himself as a Napa Vine resident, told commissioners the measure “reaffirmed Lewis County’s commitment to enforcing the law and cooperating with federal authorities as permitted…