KWW good for Washington

In a June 4, 2019, Spokesman-Review article, County Sheriff Knezovich said he would not enforce a law prohibiting local officials from helping federal agents apply some immigration laws (“Sheriff Knezovich challenges Gov. Inslee over immigration law”).

He was referring to the Keep Washington Working (KWW) Act, signed into law on May 21, 2019. KWW requires the attorney general to publish policies for limiting immigration enforcement in schools, health facilities, courthouses and shelters, keeping everyone safe independent of immigration status. This law recognizes the value of working families and protects everyone’s privacy and civil rights.

Knezovich said Washington would become a “sanctuary state,” keeping his officers from working with ICE to apprehend dangerous people in the country illegally. It is essential to understand that the majority of dangerous people on the streets are U.S. citizens, and they are often not charged because of “overcrowded jails” — justifying Knezovich’s push to build a new jail.

KWW prohibits local enforcement from questioning individuals about their immigration status and using our local resources to detain someone for civil immigration enforcement. If a state is “sanctuary” because it enacts laws that keep working people in their jobs, reduces the need for jail space, and keeps delinquents in prison, let’s unite to support this law.

Olga Herrera

Spokane