Pierce County affirms limits on county involvement in federal immigration enforcement after contentious debate

The Pierce County Council on Tuesday adopted Resolution R2025-139S, a measure affirming the county’s commitment to public safety, equity and inclusive access to county services for immigrants, refugees and all residents, after a heated public hearing and amendment process. The final vote was 4-3.

The resolution reaffirms compliance with Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, directs separately elected county offices to publish policies consistent with state law, and asks that those policies be presented to the Health and Human Services Committee by Aug. 31, 2025. The measure does not change criminal law or grant immunity; it aims to clarify local procedures when federal immigration authorities seek county cooperation.

Why it matters: Supporters said the resolution reassures immigrants that county services, courts and hospitals remain accessible and that fear of immigration enforcement will not keep victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Opponents, including the elected sheriff, argued the resolution could impede law enforcement cooperation, endanger public safety or create a false sense of security.

What the council considered Council staff Andrea Kelly briefed members that the resolution aligns Pierce County policy with the Keep Washington Working Act (engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 5497, effective May…