The Washington Attorney General’s Office has emerged as a leading voice in resisting federal immigration enforcement policies that undermine state laws, constitutional principles, and community trust. From legal victories to proactive legislation, the office has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Washington residents, particularly vulnerable immigrant populations.

Defending Immigrant Communities: Legal Actions and Advocacy

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside attorneys general from 12 other states, recently issued a joint statement reaffirming that the U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government from commandeering state and local law enforcement for immigration enforcement. This statement, dated January 23, 2025, responded to a memorandum issued by a Trump-era political appointee, which sought to pressure states to align with federal immigration enforcement priorities.

The joint statement cited the Supreme Court case Printz v. United States, which upheld the constitutional principle that federal authorities cannot compel state resources to enforce federal mandates. Attorney General Brown emphasized that such attempts threaten to erode trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly immigrant populations.

“State attorneys general have a responsibility to enforce state laws,” the statement declared. “We will not be distracted by the President’s mass deportation agenda.”

Legal Victories Against Exploitative Practices

In a significant legal triumph, the Washington Attorney General’s Office recently held The GEO Group accountable for violating state minimum wage laws. The GEO Group, a private operator of the Northwest ICE Processing Center, had subjected detainees to an exploitative $1-per-day work program. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the state’s position, marking a landmark win for labor rights and ensuring accountability for unjust enrichment practices targeting vulnerable populations.

This case underscores the office’s broader commitment to fair labor practices, immigrant protections, and challenging entities that prioritize profit over human dignity.

Implementation of the Keep Washington Working Act

In 2019, Washington enacted the Keep Washington Working Act, a law designed to shield immigrant communities from federal overreach. Under Attorney General Brown’s leadership, the office has worked to provide local law enforcement agencies with model guidance to comply with the act.

The legislation prohibits state and local authorities from using public resources for federal immigration enforcement and ensures immigrant families feel safe accessing essential services. Despite these safeguards, reports have revealed instances where local law enforcement continued to cooperate with ICE, reflecting ongoing challenges in aligning practices with the law.

Educational Protections Amid Federal Challenges

The Attorney General’s commitment extends to preserving educational opportunities for immigrants. In 2020, the office challenged a Trump Administration visa rule that threatened international students’ ability to remain in the United States during the pandemic. The rule, which required students to attend in-person classes despite public health risks, jeopardized the futures of 27,000 international students in Washington who collectively contribute over $1 billion annually to the state economy.

This lawsuit demonstrated the office’s focus on defending not only immigrant rights but also the state’s educational and economic interests.

Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Vigilance

As federal immigration policies remain a contentious issue, Attorney General Brown has pledged continued vigilance to protect Washington’s residents. The office is prepared to challenge federal actions that conflict with state laws or constitutional principles, ensuring that the rights of Washingtonians are not compromised by political agendas.

Through these efforts, the Washington Attorney General’s Office exemplifies the balance of federalism, championing the rights of immigrants, workers, and residents while resisting overreach and unconstitutional mandates.

For more information about the Attorney General’s initiatives, visit www.atg.wa.gov.

Media Contact:

• Email: press@atg.wa.gov
• Phone: (360) 753-2727

Additional Reading and Resources:

1. Washington Attorney General’s Office – Immigration Protections https://www.atg.wa.gov/immigration

2. Keep Washington Working Act Overview and Implementation https://www.atg.wa.gov/keep-washington-working-act

3. Legal Case: The GEO Group Minimum Wage Lawsuit https://www.npr.org/2022/10/28/washington-sues-geo-group

4. Supreme Court Case: Printz v. United States (1997) https://www.oyez.org/cases/1996/95-1478

5. Federal-State Tensions on Immigration Policy https://www.brookings.edu/research/federal-state-relations-immigration

6. Rights and Resources for Immigrant Communities in Washington https://www.weareoneamerica.org

7. Washington State Labor Protections https://www.lni.wa.gov

8. U.S. Department of Justice – Federal Immigration Enforcement https://www.justice.gov/immigration

9. Recent News on Federal Immigration Policy https://www.politico.com/tag/immigration

Advocacy and Community Support Networks

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: https://www.nwirp.org

ACLU of Washington: https://www.aclu-wa.org

These resources provide a deeper understanding of the policy landscape and the ongoing efforts to protect immigrant communities in Washington State.

Thank you. End.