Protecting immigrants and refugees in King County

We’re making every effort to provide this information in the 16 most widely spoken languages in King County: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Dari, Japanese, Korean, Marshallese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.  

Community members who speak languages not listed above can also request this information in other languages at no cost through translation or interpretation services. To request these services, please email Sheriff@kingcounty.gov.   

You can request records by submitting a Public Records Act (PRA) request under RCW 42.56.  

Request can be submitted to the King County Sheriff’s Office in the following ways: 

• Online: King County Sheriff’s Office Online Records Request
• Email: KCSODisclosure@kingcounty.gov 
• Phone: 206-263-2103  
• Mail:

King County Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit 
516 3rd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104 

Our highest priority is the safety of every person who lives, works, visits, and travels through King County. Preventing and solving crime is a key part of our work.  KCSO provides law enforcement services across the county. Most of this work takes place in unincorporated King County and through contract agreements with:    

• The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe   
• King County Metro  
• Sound Transit  
• King County International Airport  
• The cities of Beaux Arts, Burien, Carnation, Covington, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Newcastle, North Bend Sammamish, SeaTac, Shoreline, Skykomish, and Woodinville  

KCSO also provides regional services, including special operations and other field units.  Because of these services, it is not uncommon for KCSO deputies to be seen working in communities across King County, including communities where KCSO does not provide regular law enforcement.     

KCSO enforces Washington’s criminal laws, receives 911 calls and dispatches deputies in the areas it serves, investigates crimes, coordinates with search and rescue, provides security at community events, supports traffic safety, investigates accidents, and performs similar duties.  In some situations, deputies may coordinate with other agencies, including federal agencies, where KCSO has jurisdiction.   

Reference: RCW Title 9A, Title 10 

All state law enforcement agencies follow laws and policies that make sure uniformed police officers can be clearly identified. With limited exceptions such as undercover work, KCSO deputies:  

• Wear a clearly marked uniform with the King County Sheriff’s Office insignia  
• Wear a marked uniform that includes their last name and/or unique employee number  
• May wear department-issued body-worn camera  
• Display an official badge  
• Operate marked patrol vehicles with county or contract city logos  
• Carry official KCSO identification  

KCSO has two videos. One video, in English features the Sheriff and Undersheriff explaining how community members can identify a KCSO deputy. The second video, in Spanish, features Spanish speaking deputies reminding the public to continue reporting crimes.  

Reference: RCW 10.116.050 

The Washington State legislature recently passed a law that forbids law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties. KCSO complies with this law, and deputies do not wear masks or materials that cover their faces during routine calls for service.  

In limited situations, deputies may wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during safety-related operations. An example of this would be if there is a known risk of airborne hazards present during an event (e.g. pandemic, smoke, gas, irritants or flammable material). In these situations, PPE is used strictly for personal protection.   

Reference: SSB 5855

No.  Federal immigration officers operate under independent federal authority. Immigration officers’ authority is granted and regulated by the federal government, not by state or local government.  Federal authority is above KCSO’s authority, and therefore KCSO cannot interfere with federal operations. 

Because of this:  

• Immigration officers do not inform KCSO before or during an immigration enforcement action.    
• Immigration officers are not supervised, directed, or managed by KCSO.
• Immigration officers do not coordinate with KCSO on civil immigration matters.    

KCSO deputies do not know when immigration enforcement officers are operating in King County.  When responding to a 911 call, a KCSO deputy may not know an immigration enforcement action is occurring until they arrive on scene and see official federal credentials or agency insignia.    

Deputies cannot interfere with lawful federal authority but will act if there is a threat to safety or evidence of a state crime.    

No. Based on Washington State law, King County Code, and KCSO policy, KCSO does not enforce federal immigration laws and does not participate in civil immigration enforcement activities, except when required by State Law in limited circumstances.

Reference: RCW 10.93.160, K.C.C. 2.15, and GOM 5.05.000.

Call 911.  A call receiver will ask questions to understand the situation.  Depending on your responses, a deputy may be dispatched to the location.    

When a deputy arrives, they will follow KCSO policy, this may include:  

• Turning on their body-worn camera 
• Assessing the situation, 
• Speaking with the person who called 911 
• Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate 
• Working to de-escalate the situation 
• Documenting the incident.    

Deputies do not have authority over federal operations but will respond if there is a threat to safety or evidence of a state crime.    

If you are unsure whether the vehicle attempting to stop you is law enforcement, you may take steps to ensure your safety while still complying with the law.  

You may call 911 to confirm whether the vehicle and officer are legitimate.  Tell the call receiver your location and that you are being signaled to pull over but are unsure if the vehicle is law enforcement.  

If you feel unsafe stopping immediately, you may drive at a reduced speed to a well lit, populated area - such as a gas station or business - while activating your hazard lights to show you are not attempting to flee.  

Once stopped, you may ask the officer to show identification or provide their name and agency.  

If at any point you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 and follow the call receiver’s instructions.  KCSO deputies will respond to ensure your safety.  

If KCSO determines someone falsely presented themselves as a law enforcement officer to carry out an unlawful act, such as attempting to kidnap someone, deputies would conduct a criminal investigation which may result in an arrest and referral for prosecution under RCW 9A.60.040 (Criminal impersonation in the first degree), which is a Class C felony, along with any additional applicable felony charges related to attempted kidnapping.

Call 911. A call receiver will ask a series of questions. Depending upon your responses, a deputy may be dispatched to the location.

Upon arriving, the deputy will follow KCSO policy, which includes turning on their body-worn camera, assessing the scene, and taking appropriate action which will vary according to what is occurring when the deputy arrives. These actions may include contacting the person who called 911, verifying law enforcement credentials, working to de-escalate the situation, and documenting the incident.  

Deputies have no authority over federal operations but will respond if there is an emergency, a threat to safety, or evidence of a state crime.

For free legal services related to immigration matters, you can contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771.

For legal assistance with immigration detention, they can contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771. NWIRP provides free legal services and can help your family:

• Understand your rights
• Find out where you are being held
• Connect them with legal representation

When a deputy arrives, they will follow KCSO policy, this includes:  

• Turning on their body-worn camera 
• Assessing the situation 
• Speaking with the person who called 911 – using interpretation services if needed 
• Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate 
• Working to de-escalate the situation 
• Documenting the incident
• Reporting the incident to a supervisor. 

If a deputy responds to a call about federal immigration enforcement activity, they will document: 

• Why the community member called 911 
• Attempts to check the identity of the officers on scene 
• What happened at the end of the call 

Deputies will save all documentation in KCSO's official systems, including dispatch records, written reports, and body camera video. 

KCSO will report any incidents involving federal immigration agents to the King County Executive Office and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. 

Every situation is different and can change quickly. When a deputy arrives, they will follow KCSO policy. This includes turning on their body-worn camera, assessing the scene, and taking appropriate action based on what is happening at the moment.  A deputy’s response may include working to de-escalate the situation, contacting the person who called 911 and any witnesses, verifying law enforcement credentials, notifying a supervisor, and documenting the incident.

Under Washington State Law RCW 10.93.190 identifiable on-duty law enforcement officers are required to intervene if they witness another law enforcement officer engaging or attempting to engage in the use of excessive force. This law, however, does not apply to federal law enforcement officers. This means KCSO deputies (or other Washington law enforcement officers) do not have a legal duty to intervene if they witness a federal law enforcement officer engaging or attempting to engage in excessive force. 

When KCSO responds to complaints of excessive force, the action taken may range from collecting available evidence to some form of intervention, depending on the facts and circumstances known at the time.

KCSO will report any possible criminal violations by federal immigration agents to the King County Executive Office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

If the incident involves suspected criminal activity, such as actions that result in serious bodily injury or death, KCSO will share all relevant evidence it has with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to assist the Prosecutor’s Office in determining the appropriate legal action.

Yes.  The First Amendment protects your right to record law enforcement officers while they are performing their duties in public spaces.   

Here are some guidelines for recording safely and legally:   

• Follow officers' instructions about maintaining scene safety.    
• Do not physically block or interfere with an investigation or arrest.  
• Keep a reasonable distance that does not interfere with law enforcement activities.   
• You may record from public spaces such as sidewalks and public parks.   
• Officers cannot take your recordings or require that you delete them without a warrant.    
• Be aware of your surroundings, your own safety, and the safety of others around you.    

KCSO works with HSI only on serious criminal cases — such as human trafficking, child exploitation, and related financial crimes. These crimes cross state and federal borders. KCSO partners with these federal agencies because they are allowed to work in other states and countries, and because of their expertise. This helps us solve and prosecute these crimes in our communities. KCSO does not participate in civil immigration enforcement.  

Contact with ICE or CBP happens only when those agencies are involved to assist the victims or witnesses in criminal investigations and prosecutions of these types of crimes.  

KCSO deputies are not allowed to participate in civil immigration enforcement.  If the Sheriff’s Office learns that a deputy may have assisted federal immigration authorities in a way that violates policy, the matter is reviewed through an internal investigation. 

Confirmed violations can lead to discipline consistent with KCSO procedures, up to and including termination.

KCSO does not share jail rosters, personal information, or other records with ICE or CBP for immigration purposes.  Information may only be shared with federal agencies as part of a specific criminal investigation, in accordance with state law, King County code, and KCSO policy. 

Federal agencies do not have direct access to KCSO databases, systems, or cameras.  Limited access may occur only during a specific joint criminal investigation, under strict controls, and only for that investigation.  These situations are managed by KCSO’s Criminal Investigations Unit and are not connected to immigration enforcement.

Follow their instructions.  If a federal law enforcement officer tells you to move or comply with a directive, the safest choice is to do so at that time.  Choosing not to follow instructions could put you and others at risk.  This risk could include your safety or the safety of people around you and could result in detention, arrest, or physical removal.

You may document what happened and seek legal assistance afterward.  If you believe your rights were violated, you may file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency or consult an attorney.

Call 911.  A call receiver will ask questions to understand the situation.  Depending on your responses, a deputy may be dispatched to the location. 

When the deputy arrives, they will follow KCSO policy, this may include: 

• Turning on their body-worn camera
• Assessing the situation
• Speaking with the person who called 911 – using interpretation services if needed
• Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate
• Working to de-escalate the situation
• Documenting the incident
• Reporting the incident to a supervisor.

KCSO deputies enforce state criminal laws but do not have authority to determine whether a federal officer is exceeding their legal authority.   That determination is made by a court. If you believe your rights were violated, you should direct your concerns to the appropriate federal agency or seek legal counsel. KCSO deputies cannot intervene on that basis.

For free legal services related to immigration matters, you can contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771.

No. Just like anyone living in the community, KCSO deputies are prohibited from obstructing federal law enforcement operations. Deputies who obstruct federal officers may face the same consequences as anyone else, including arrest and detention. 

KCSO deputies are committed to acting within their legal authority and making safety-focused decisions that protect both community members and themselves.   

When appropriate and safe to do so, deputies may confirm law enforcement credentials, assess for threats to life or safety and possible state law violations, work to de-escalate situations, and document the encounter through written reports and body-worn camera recording.   

King County law does not allow property that is county-controlled and either owned or leased by the county to be used for civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or court order. This includes places like public parks, open spaces, parking lots, and county buildings. Officers cannot use these areas as base, staging area, or processing sites for civil immigration enforcement operations. 

This rule is part of King County Code Chapter 2.15, as amended by Ordinance 2026-0027.

What will deputies do? 

If a KCSO deputy sees this happening without a judicial warrant or court order, the deputy will follow KCSO policy, which includes:

• Verify the officers' credentials
• Tell the officers the activity is not allowed on county property under King County Code
• Ask them to stop and leave
• Document the encounter, including any refusal to leave
• Notify a supervisor

KCSO will notify the King County Executive Office and the Prosecuting Attorney's Office whenever federal immigration agents conduct enforcement activities on County-owned property.

What deputies cannot do

Deputies may not use force to make officers leave. This policy does not apply to judicial warrants, court orders, or criminal law enforcement.

What should you do? 

If you see possible civil immigration enforcement on county property, call 911. 

A deputy may be sent to check the situation.

King County employees and contractors, including KCSO deputies and staff—cannot discriminate based on citizenship or immigration status. If you believe King County, a county employee, or a county contractor did not follow their obligations regarding immigration status, you may file a complaint.

These obligations are set in King County Code Chapter 2.15 (Citizenship and Immigration Status).

To get started:

• Fill out the Civil Rights Inquiry Form. Available in 8 languages. 
  
• A staff member will contact you to follow up with you

This process includes concerns about employee obligations under KCC 2.15 for:

• County employees
  
• KCSO employees 
• Contractors working for King County

You can also file complaints through the following offices:

• King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight: Monitors and reviews allegations of misconduct against KCSO
• King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
• Washington State Attorney General’s Office

Please note that these processes are only for King County actions. If your concern is about federal immigration officers, contact the appropriate federal oversight agency:

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General: oig.dhs.gov/hotline
  
• U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Washington (Civil Rights): justice.gov/usao-wdwa/civil-rights

For free legal services related to immigration matters, you may also contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771. 

The King County Sheriff’s Office is committed to:

• Protecting people’s constitutional rights, including the right to free speech and the right to assemble
• Ensuring everyone’s safety
• Acting with transparency
• Serving all communities members, regardless of immigration status
• Following Washington State law

The information provided in this guide is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The KCSO cannot provide legal advice. Every situation is different, and you may benefit from speaking with someone who can give guidance based on your specific circumstances. 

You can contact these organizations for support:

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): 1-800-445-5771 (free legal services)
• Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): Community resources and support
• OneAmerica: 206-723-2203 (advocacy and community support)
• Faith-based organizations in your community
• Community legal clinics (often free) 
• Trusted community leaders and advocates

You do not need to hire a private attorney to get help. Many organizations provide free services and support, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.

If you want to report a civil rights concern, request legal information, or file a complaint about federal enforcement activity, these resources may help.

• U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General Hotline: oig.dhs.gov/hotline
• U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Washington (Civil Rights): justice.gov/usao-wdwa/civil-rights
• U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Seattle: 206-553-7970

For more information, please visit the King County Sheriff’s Office Immigrant and refugee community resources web page.

To learn about KCSO policies, please visit:  www.kingcounty.gov/sheriff 

Or contact:  King County Sheriff’s Office: 206-296-4155