In an era where national debates about immigration continue to spark fear and misinformation, local communities are often caught in the crossfire of misunderstanding.
Recent events in North Bend highlighted this reality when false claims on social media suggested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement during a local police response.
Snoqualmie Police Chief Statement: Immigration Status and Police Response
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Dept. officers responded to a crisis intervention incident at the Union 76 gas station in downtown North Bend. The incident was resolved peacefully.
False information circulated on social media claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were involved. This is untrue. Only the Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Department and Eastside Fire & Rescue responded to the incident.
The Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Dept. is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive community for all. We adhere to the Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160), which prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in or making arrests for civil immigration offenses.
This means:
• Anyone can report a crime to our department, regardless of their immigration status.
• Officers will not ask about your immigration status during an investigation, whether you are a victim or a suspect.
• We do not enforce immigration laws and are not trained to do so.
The Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Dept. is dedicated to protecting and serving all members of our diverse community.
Comments
“We adhere to the Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160), which prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in or making arrests for civil immigration offenses.” So this does not mean local law enforcement will not assist when its an arrest for criminal immigration offenses?
Thank you for the position you are taking. Your position supports our constitution, our local economy, our community and individual rights. Thank you again for your principled and thought position.