Hello neighbors,
Like many of you, I am shocked and outraged by the chaos and terror Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are causing in Minneapolis. My parents and grandparents immigrated to America in search of a better life, and I am grateful every day for the opportunities their sacrifices gave me and my sister. Our nation is stronger and better because of the contributions and hard work of generations of immigrants.
Disturbing images and videos of masked agents forcefully detaining people and making warrantless arrests have left too many of our law-abiding immigrant neighbors living in fear of deportation. On top of that, agents have murdered two people, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, which has only further escalated tensions as Minnesotans continue to challenge ICE’s aggression and overreach. The violence we are witnessing from ICE agents demands justice and accountability at all levels of government.
Congress has ultimate oversight authority to hold ICE accountable, but we must do everything we can in Washington to protect everyone who calls our state home, especially if the Trump administration tries to deploy similar tactics here. Since Senate Democrats regained the majority in 2017, we have been working to insulate Washington from a hostile federal government, including its inhumane and cruel immigration enforcement tactics.
Thanks to the Keep Washington Working Act, which I proudly co-sponsored in 2019, we are already well positioned to limit our state’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Under this law, Washington’s state and local law enforcement are prohibited from helping ICE as it seeks to terrorize and harm our communities.
We are also taking additional steps this session to pass bills that will further protect Washingtonians. Last week, the Senate passed a bill that would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers — including ICE agents — from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public. People deserve to know the identity of any law enforcement officer who is exercising government authority over them. This bill brings much-needed accountability and transparency, and I was proud to vote for it.
I also support Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown’s statements last week denouncing ICE’s actions, as well as the steps they are taking to prepare our state if the Trump administration launches similar actions here.
As we continue to advance immigration-focused bills in the Legislature, I hope you will keep contacting your representatives, including Washington’s federal leaders, with your concerns about ICE’s actions. I also hope you will continue making your voice heard throughout the rest of this year’s legislative session.
Resources for immigrant communities
Our state and county have a variety of resources to help our immigrant communities, including:
- A “Know Your Rights” guide from the Attorney General’s Office. This guide is translated into multiple languages and offers guidance on what to do if an immigration enforcement officer approaches you.
- The Rapid Response hub from the State’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs has information on making a family preparedness plan, links to statewide and county resources, and resources for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients.
- The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families has a list of resources for families who have been affected by federal immigration actions.
- The Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance has a resource map to help you find organizations offering a variety of services right here in Snohomish County.
- The Snohomish County website lists several immigrant and refugee services to help those living in our district and county.
As always, I encourage you to contact my office if you or someone else in our district needs help. Send me an email at Marko.Liias@leg.wa.gov or call my office at 360-786-7640.
Talk soon!
