Official findingOverreach

Washington judge rules Adams County violated state sanctuary law by aiding ICE

A Spokane County Superior Court judge ruled that Adams County and its sheriff repeatedly violated Washington's Keep Washington Working Act by sharing inmate information and coordinating arrests with federal immigration authorities.

A Spokane County Superior Court judge ruled Friday that Adams County repeatedly violated the 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, according to The Center Square, which Just the News republished. The case followed a July trial in a lawsuit brought by the state Attorney General's Office against the county and Sheriff Dale Wagner. The court's findings say jail staff sent daily lists of new inmates, with names, charges and birth dates, to ICE and Border Patrol from May 2019 to September 2023, notified agents of expected release times, and allowed arrests in the secure booking area. Court records say Wagner never updated pre-2019 policy manuals because he saw no need to. Wagner argued the law was unconstitutional and conflicted with federal authority; the court rejected those challenges.

Why it matters

The ruling is reported as the first time a state court has interpreted and applied the Keep Washington Working Act. It sets out limits on how local law enforcement may take part in civil immigration enforcement.

Civil RightsImmigration EnforcementJails and PrisonsCourts and Judges

Researched with AI assistance from the sources listed here and reviewed under our methodology.

Connected stories

Official findingMinnesota · Nov 3, 2026

Federal court orders ICE to return Nicaraguan man deported to Central African Republic

A Minnesota federal court granted a preliminary injunction ordering the government to return a Nicaraguan man ICE sent to the Central African Republic, finding officers likely lacked authority to detain or deport him.

Official findingNew York · Nov 13, 2026

Second Circuit Rules Transportation Department Unlawfully Withheld $73 Million in Highway Funds From New York

The Second Circuit ruled that the Department of Transportation could not withhold more than $73 million in highway funding from New York over its licensing of immigrant commercial drivers, Courthouse News reports.

Official findingPennsylvania · Oct 29, 2026

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Vacates Contempt Conviction of Spectator Jailed 30 Days for Insulting Judge

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court vacated a criminal contempt conviction of a courtroom spectator who served 30 days in jail for a single vulgar insult toward a Philadelphia judge, Reason reports.