Franklin rejects ‘sanctuary’ listing, urges rest of Eastern WA to do the same
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Franklin County reaffirmed non-sanctuary status with a pro-enforcement resolution.
- Leaders aim to build regional coalition opposing state sanctuary policies.
- County plans to share resolution with federal officials and neighboring counties.
Franklin County leaders rejected the idea that they’re a “sanctuary county” and hope others in Eastern Washington will do the same.
The commissioners want to send a message to the Trump administration that they support the president’s immigration policies, after being included on a list of sanctuary jurisdictions by the Department of Homeland Security last week.
The list was removed from Homeland Security’s website over the weekend after pushback from local governments across the nation, who said they’re doing everything they can to cooperate. It was created as a requirement of an executive order, which also authorized the agency to look into stripping federal money from jurisdictions that refuse to comply.
Franklin County passed a resolution this week reaffirming the county’s current policies and opposition to Washington’s sanctuary laws.
County Administrator Brian Dansel told commissioners he reviewed the county’s policies and was confident they had nothing on the books that contradicts Trump administration policies on immigration.
The county likely ended up on the list because of Washington state’s “Keep Washington Working” law, which the commissioners have long been opposed to.
Passed in 2019, the law prohibits jails from entering into inmate holding contracts with ICE or sending them lists of inmates, however it doesn’t prevent agents from coming to the jail.
It also bars law enforcement from sharing any information with immigration agents that isn’t already publicly available.
“This resolution reflects our unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all Franklin County residents and to the principle that laws must be enforced,” Commission Chairman Clint Didier wrote in a statement. “We believe that cooperation with the federal government on these issues is essential for maintaining public safety, order, and accountability. Franklin County stands firmly with the administration in its efforts to secure our borders and enforce immigration laws.”
Commissioner Stephen Bauman said he wanted Dansel to send the resolution on to other local leaders and encourage them to pass a version of their own.
“It appears that our attorney general and governor are actively trying to thwart this administration from protecting our citizens, and I would encourage you to forward this to (other leaders),” Bauman said.
Didier said Franklin County is one of a number of Eastern Washington counties looking to form a coalition showing their opposition to sanctuary laws.
Dansel told commissioners he also plans to send a packet to his contacts in the Trump administration, which would include the county’s stance on issues such as vaccines and transgender athletes in girls’ sports.
He was an advisor in the first Trump administration and later appointed a regional U.S. Department of Agriculture director.
Anti-sanctuary sentiments
Benton County was also on the sanctuary list, despite efforts to push back against the state. Only four Washington counties were not listed as “sanctuary jurisdictions.”
Benton County commission Chairman Jerome Delvin told the Herald last week that they remain opposed to Washington’s sanctuary law. Delvin has previously said the county would consider taking the fight to court.
He told the Herald that their primary concern is putting the safety of citizens first.
“We’re gonna do what’s right for our county’s citizens, that’s the bottom line and I hope the other electeds would do the same in Benton County,” he said.
Adams County was one of the few not included on the list, but it is currently being sued by the state for helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which violates state law.
That case stems from an incident in which a judge ordered a man released from a contract hold at the Franklin County jail, but a deputy picked him up and transported him back to Adams County and into the custody of immigration agents. Franklin County was not named as a party to the lawsuit.
Lincoln County also passed a resolution this week declaring it is not a “sanctuary county.” The language in the resolution passed Monday matched much of Franklin County’s. It’s unclear if the two counties already had been in contact about the matter.
Gov. Bob Ferguson told McClatchy in a statement last week that the law keeps Washington residents safe, and they are confident it will stand up in court.
“Regardless of any label the federal government decides to apply, the Keep Washington Working Act is consistent with — and requires compliance with — binding federal law,” Ferguson said. “This law works well because it allows our state and local jurisdictions to prioritize limited law enforcement resources to keep Washingtonians safe, rather than allowing those scarce resources to be diverted to federal immigration enforcement. We are confident we can defend it in court.”
Franklin County resolution
Franklin County’s resolution reaffirms that the county is not a sanctuary jurisdiction and opposes any state laws, polices, ordinances or resolutions that would cause it to be designated as such.
It says that Franklin County is committed to upholding the constitutions of the United States and Washington state, as well as ensuring the safety, security and well being of all of its residents.
The county reiterated its opposition to any Washington state law that contradicts the Trump administration and federal law and commits the county to fully cooperating with federal authorities to the extent allowed by federal and state law.
The resolution also expresses appreciation and support for the efforts and policies of the Trump administration “directed toward enhancing national security, securing the nation’s borders, supporting law enforcement, promoting economic growth and upholding the consistent enforcement of federal laws.”
They also resolved to continue supporting and cooperating with federal, state and local law enforcement in respect to all applicable laws, including immigration laws. The county will also commit to not allowing the use of any funds, resources, facilities, equipment or personnel to intentionally obstruct or hinder enforcement of federal immigration law.
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Franklin rejects ‘sanctuary’ listing, urges rest of Eastern WA to do the same."
