DOJ criticizes King and Kitsap counties over immigration enforcement

The U.S. Department of Justice has criticized officials in King and Kitsap counties for releasing a 44-year-old Mexican citizen instead of transferring him to immigration authorities following his arrests. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd stated that the release of the individual, despite an extensive criminal and immigration history, allegedly allowed him to commit rape. Floyd noted that “sanctuary policies have a consequence, and this is it.”

Local prosecutors defended their actions, stating they were adhering to state and county laws. A spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cited King County Code 2.15, which prevents the use of county funds and resources for federal immigration enforcement. Kitsap County Prosecutor Chad Enright added that the jail could only detain individuals on a lawful criminal basis, such as a court order or warrant, and could not hold someone solely for federal civil immigration purposes when state law did not authorize such detention.