AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL • IRIS
King County Executive Issues Order Creating Welcoming County Subcabinet and Immigrant Protections

Policy ID

KING-EO-2026-2-12
Local Response
King County
Executive Order

Short Description

Executive Girmay Zahilay of King County, WA issued an executive order, “Protecting Immigrants and Refugees in King County”, that diverts resources and creates new protections for immigrant communities. The order established the Welcoming County Subcabinet, which is an interagency body tasked with developing actions to strengthen the county’s support for residents impacted by federal civil immigration enforcement. The order also calls for (1) guidance from the King County Sheriff’s Office on its planned response to potential unlawful action by federal enforcement agents, (2) public materials on the role of the Sheriff’s Office and how to differentiate officers from federal agents, (3) county support for community education and KYRS initiatives, and (4) limiting civil immigration enforcement at non-public areas of county controlled or owned property. Lastly, the order instructs the King County Executive Budget Office to allocate $2 million in emergency support funds to meet emerging needs of immigrant communities, including rental assistance, legal aid, or food assistance.

Date Adopted

02/12/2026

See Also

Washington Enacts Ban of Face Coverings for Law Enforcement and Prohibits Use of False Law Enforcement ID

03/19/2026
Statewide
Legislative Action
WA

Lynnwood, WA City Council Terminates Flock Safety License Plate Reader Contract Over Immigration Surveillance Concerns

02/23/2026
Lynnwood
Legislative Action
WA

Oregon Governors Creates Interagency Council for Immigrant and Refugee Coordination

01/30/2026
Statewide
Executive Order
WA