KING COUNTY, Wash — As the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement nationwide, the King County Council voted to pass a motion aimed at shielding immigrant communities and reinforcing the county’s identity as a welcoming jurisdiction.
The motion, spearheaded by Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, outlines several steps King County could take to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It includes a proposal to post signage at county facilities instructing law enforcement officers to produce warrants signed by a judge before making any enforcement actions.
The motion also recommends the creation of a centralized immigration resource webpage and additional funding for community-based immigrant support services.
“First, we've said often that local jurisdictions must, in this moment, be the last line of defense,” Mosqueda said. “We welcome folks into this county because every resident matters, and we will make sure that we continue to stand up services and support for all residents.”
The legislation was introduced at a time of heightened legal conflict between Washington state officials and the federal government. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a series of lawsuits challenging executive orders issued by President Donald Trump in his second term. These legal challenges target federal policies related to birthright citizenship, gender-affirming care, and funding for social services.
“Follow the damn law, it’s not that hard,” Brown said in February, criticizing the administration’s latest immigration directives passed as part of the 2025 federal budget bill.
The council’s motion also includes a recommendation that state lawmakers reject any proposal to increase criminal penalties based solely on an individual’s immigration status. It suggests the possibility of establishing an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Assistance and calls for a one-year progress report to evaluate the county’s efforts.
Governor Bob Ferguson, a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, echoed the commitment of local officials during a press conference earlier this year.
“President Trump’s chaos will not stop us from working on behalf of the people,” Ferguson said. “We will continue to do our jobs and serve the everyday needs of Washingtonians.”
During Tuesday’s announcement, Mosqueda was joined by representatives from the ACLU of Washington and several local immigrant rights nonprofits. The coalition expressed unified support for the motion, framing it as a critical response to what they see as discriminatory federal enforcement practices.
“I think passing a policy like this in King County shows everyone in this county, especially our county workers, that there’s a clear policy and directive,” Mosqueda said. “If they are asked to share information or do something outside of King County values and policies, now we have reaffirmed what our county is committed to.”