Immigration Guidance

Washington strives to be a welcoming place for immigrants and refugees.  Recent changes in federal immigration policies and practices have caused fear and uncertainty in our communities. Questions have been raised by local governments and other entities endeavoring to protect immigrants’ rights while appropriately responding to federal authorities.

This guidance seeks to answer questions local agencies— including libraries, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and schools —may have about the impacts of changes to immigration laws and their discretion regarding participation in federal immigration enforcement. Best practices that agencies can implement are included in each section.  Additional resources are identified throughout and included in the appendices. 

Table of Contents (PDF Links)

• Part I: General Rules Governing Interactions Between Local Jurisdictions and Federal Immigration Authorities
• Part II: Local Services
• Part III: Local Law Enforcement Officers
• Part IV: Local Jails
• Part V: Courts
• Part VI: K-12 and Higher Education
• Part VII: Employers
• Part VIII: Public Hospitals
• List of Appendix Contents
• Appendix A: Samples of Laws and Policies
• Appendix B: Sample Provisions from other Jurisdictions
• Appendix C: Resources for Individuals
• Appendix D: Sample ICE Forms
• Appendix E: Sample Judicial Warrant for Arrest
• Appendix F: Know Your Rights Information 
• Acknowledgements