Sheriff Defends Immigration Enforcement Amid Lawsuit from Washington State Attorney General

Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer has voiced strong opposition to the recent lawsuit filed by Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown. The lawsuit targets one of his fellow sheriffs for their cooperation in immigration enforcement. Songer described this legal action as the “lunacy” of Democratic leaders in Washington, a state known for its liberal policies.

“They honestly feel that they can just run over everybody,” Songer remarked, boldly asserting, “Bring it on, I’ll fight them.” His comments reflect a growing tension between local law enforcement officials and state leadership regarding immigration policies.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit was initiated by Brown, a Democrat, against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. It accuses the sheriff’s office of illicit collaboration with federal immigration authorities under the previous Trump administration. Filed in Spokane County Superior Court, the suit claims that the Adams County Sheriff’s Office has unlawfully detained individuals based solely on their immigration status, assisted federal agents in questioning detainees, and regularly shared private information about Washington residents with federal officials. These actions are alleged to breach state laws.

Specifically, the lawsuit invokes the 2019 Keep Washington Working Act. This legislation prohibits state law enforcement agencies from assisting in immigration enforcement. Attorney General Brown is seeking a court order to compel the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Dale Wagner, to adhere to this law.

Federal Actions Shining a Light on Local Operations

Coincidentally, the lawsuit comes at a time when the U.S. Border Patrol Chief, Michael Banks, announced on social media that agents had recently collaborated with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. They arrested a Mexican national suspected of being involved in illegal firearms dealings.

A spokesperson from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment on the pending lawsuit when approached for a statement.

Sheriff’s Stance on State’s Sanctuary Policies

Sheriff Bob Songer, who has expressed his commitment to aiding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), believes that the lawsuit reflects a broader strategy by Washington’s Democrats, including Governor Bob Ferguson. Both officials aim to coerce local sheriffs into compliance with state sanctuary policies related to immigration.

Songer revealed that shortly after Trump’s inauguration, his office received a public records request from a person named Charles Harvey. This individual sought all correspondence between Songer and federal authorities, dating from 2021 to the present. The request stated that if communications with ICE were discovered, they would be reported to the attorney general’s office.

Concerns Over Law Enforcement Cooperation with ICE

“In my opinion, it’s lunacy. They are whack nuts,” Songer stated. He questioned why state leaders, including the governor and Brown, would oppose cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE in targeting individuals who have committed serious felonies and are in the country illegally.

Moreover, Songer commended Sheriff Wagner and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office for their resolve against the lawsuit, labeling the attorney general’s actions as “flat ridiculous.” He encouraged his fellow sheriffs to resist intimidation from state leaders, advocating for a unified stance on constitutional grounds.

A Call to Action for Fellow Sheriffs

Songer emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution in law enforcement practices. He expressed his hope that other sheriffs will join him in opposing state sanctuary laws, asserting that compliance undermines fundamental constitutional rights.

“Citizens come first,” he concluded fervently. He urged the arrival of national figures like Tom Homan to Washington State, emphasizing the necessity to challenge the alleged violations of federal law by state politicians. He declared that if these officials are indeed acting illegally, they should face consequences.

Looking Ahead

The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond Klickitat County, hinting at a potential shift in the relationship between state law enforcement and immigration policy. As the legal proceedings unfold, the discussions surrounding local cooperation with federal immigration authorities will undoubtedly escalate.

With the increasing pressures on law enforcement to navigate complex immigration laws, the outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for sheriffs across Washington State and possibly beyond, as discussions around sanctuary policies continue to play a pivotal role in the national dialogue on immigration reform.