Whatcom County sheriff, Bellingham officials issue statements on immigration enforcement
Local officials are saying they intend to follow state law in regard to immigration status of local residents, according to several recent statements.
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, Bellingham Public Schools, Western Washington University and the city of Bellingham issued statements this week in regard to President Donald Trump’s call to deport undocumented immigrants — including so-called “dreamers” brought to the U.S. as children.
Their statements reflected federal court rulings and a 2019 state law called the Keep Washington Working Act, which “restricts the extent to which local law enforcement agencies may participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” according to the Washington Attorney General’s Office website.
“Deportation, immigration and federal law enforcement issues fall under the jurisdiction of the federal courts and are not part of my elected office or sworn duty,” Sheriff Tanksley said in a public statement. “The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will not take enforcement action based on immigration-related statuses. A person’s immigration status is not a factor in our criminal investigations unless there is an explicit basis in state law, such as an alien in possession of firearms.”
WWU officials also cited state law in a statement this week at the university website.
“University resources shall not be used to engage in, aid, or in any way assist with immigration enforcement,” WWU said.
Washington state’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction said Thursday that K-12 schools will continue to serve and protect undocumented students.
At Bellingham schools, spokeswoman Dana Smith told The Herald that Superintendent Greg Baker has been sharing information to reassure staff, students and their families.
“All students and families should feel welcome, safe and respected in our schools,” Baker said. “The Bellingham Promise guides our work, and two of our core beliefs are that ‘all children should be loved’ and ‘diversity enhances a strong and healthy community.’ Our leaders play a key role in building a culture of love, diversity and inclusion.”
He pointed to the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, where the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that undocumented students have the same right to attend public schools as U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
“We’re working hard to reassure our students and families that they are accepted every day in our schools, answer their questions, and continue our effort and work to provide loving, supportive learning environments for our students, families, staff and community. We are committed to protecting our students’ rights,” Baker said.
Members of the Bellingham City Council debated declaring itself a sanctuary city in 2017, but tabled the issue, according to previous Herald reporting.
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund told The Herald that “Bellingham Police take no enforcement actions based on immigration status alone” and that the city is forming a volunteer Keep Washington Working Act Advisory Work Group. Its first members will be appointed Monday.
“We are committed to ensuring that Bellingham is a place where the rights and dignity of all residents are maintained and protected. This commitment is reflected in many city policy statements and in our day-to-day actions,” Lund said in an email.
This story was originally published January 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
