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.