Island County sheriff: federal immigration arrest carried out without local notification; local agencies do not enforce immigration law

The Island County Sheriff’s Office said in a written statement read at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 4 that federal immigration officials did not notify local law enforcement before a recent arrest on South Whidbey, and reminded residents that state law limits local involvement in immigration enforcement.

"No one in local law enforcement that I'm aware of was notified that this event was happening," the sheriff said in the written statement, as read by the chair. The statement said federal officials are under no legal obligation to notify local agencies and that state law — the sheriff referenced the Keep Washington Working Act and the Washington State Attorney General’s resources — largely prohibits state and local officers from taking action on immigration enforcement.

The statement acknowledged community concern and said the county’s focus is public safety, not immigration status. "Members of the Island County Sheriff's Office are committed to respecting every person's dignity and safety regardless of immigration status. Our operations will focus on criminal acts, not immigration status," the sheriff's statement said.

The sheriff also noted that victims of crimes such as human trafficking, extortion and kidnapping who are undocumented may be reluctant to report crimes, and stressed the importance of building trust with victims and witnesses to effectively investigate serious offenses.

The statement concluded by directing readers to the Keep Washington Working Act and the Washington State Attorney General's website for more information on the legal framework described and inviting members of the public to contact the sheriff for additional questions.

The sheriff did not appear in person; the chair read the statement on the sheriff's behalf. No new operational changes at the Sheriff's Office were announced at the meeting.