Key Takeaways
• Washington State named a sanctuary jurisdiction by DHS in May 2025, covering 35 counties and 5 cities.
• New 2025 laws protect undocumented immigrants from workplace exploitation, increase healthcare access, and stabilize housing.
• DOC exemption allows continued ICE transfers from state prisons despite broader sanctuary protections.
Washington State has made major changes to its immigration policies in 2025, strengthening its position as a sanctuary jurisdiction and expanding protections for undocumented immigrants. These updates affect how local law enforcement, state agencies, and community organizations interact with immigrants, and they have important consequences for people living in the state without legal status. Here’s a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future immigration cases.
Summary of What Changed
In late May 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officially named Washington State a “State Sanctuary Jurisdiction.” This means the federal government recognizes Washington as a state that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The DHS included 35 of Washington’s 39 counties and five major cities—Everett, Olympia, Tacoma, Yakima, and Seattle—in this designation.
Despite criticism and threats from federal officials, Washington State has not only kept its sanctuary policies but also passed new laws to strengthen protections for undocumented immigrants. These changes include:
- Expanded limits on local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- New laws to protect immigrants from workplace exploitation and unfair court-related job loss
- Increased access to healthcare and social services for undocumented immigrants
- A new wage replacement program for undocumented workers who lose their jobs
- Housing stability measures to prevent displacement of immigrant families
- Reforms to reduce unnecessary police stops that could lead to deportation
These updates reflect Washington’s ongoing commitment to supporting its large immigrant population, even as the federal government threatens to withhold funding and increase enforcement.
Who Is Affected
The changes in Washington State’s sanctuary policies affect several groups:
- Undocumented immigrants living in Washington, especially those in the five major sanctuary cities and the 35 counties covered by the state’s policies
- Immigrant families who rely on state and local services for healthcare, housing, and job support
- Employers who hire undocumented workers and must comply with new workplace protections
- State and local law enforcement agencies that must follow new rules about cooperating with federal immigration authorities
- Immigrants in state prisons, who are still at risk of being transferred to ICE after serving their sentences due to a specific exemption in the law
Effective Dates
The most recent changes took effect after the 2025 legislative session, with new laws signed by Governor Bob Ferguson in the first half of the year. The DHS designation of Washington as a sanctuary jurisdiction was made public on May 29-30, 2025. Some programs, such as the wage replacement program for undocumented workers, are in the process of being set up and may roll out later in the year or in early 2026.
Required Actions
For undocumented immigrants and their families, the most important steps are:
- Stay informed about your rights under Washington’s sanctuary laws and new protections
- Connect with local organizations like the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) for legal help and updates
- Use state and city resources for healthcare, housing, and job support if you qualify
- Be aware of the DOC exemption: If you or a family member is in state prison, know that transfer to ICE is still possible after serving your sentence
- Monitor federal policy changes, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may increase enforcement or change funding rules for sanctuary jurisdictions
Employers should:
- Review new workplace laws to ensure compliance with protections for undocumented workers
- Avoid retaliation against workers who use their rights under the new laws
Law enforcement agencies must:
- Follow state laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- Train officers on the new rules to avoid unnecessary arrests or detentions based on immigration status
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a pending immigration application or are considering applying for a benefit, these changes may affect your situation:
- Local law enforcement is less likely to share information with ICE, reducing the risk of arrest or detention during routine police encounters
- Access to state services may help you and your family stay healthy and stable while your case is pending
- If you are in state prison, you may still face transfer to ICE after your sentence, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible
- Federal enforcement actions may still occur, especially if the U.S. Department of Homeland Security increases operations in sanctuary jurisdictions
Details of Washington’s Sanctuary Policies
The Keep Washington Working Act (2019) is the main law that shapes the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. Under this law:
- Local police and sheriffs are not allowed to help federal immigration agents with most enforcement actions
- Police cannot ask about your immigration status during routine stops or arrests
- Local jails do not hold people for ICE unless there is a court order or criminal warrant
City-Level Protections
Cities like Seattle and Olympia have their own sanctuary ordinances. For example:
- Seattle’s sanctuary law has been in place since 2003 and stops city police from asking about immigration status or helping ICE with most requests
- Olympia and other cities have similar rules, making it safer for undocumented immigrants to live and work in these areas
DOC Exemption
There is one important exception: The Washington Department of Corrections (DOC) can still transfer immigrants to ICE after they finish serving a prison sentence. This means:
- If you are in state prison, you may be at risk of deportation even if you are protected by other sanctuary policies
- Advocacy groups are working to end this exemption, but for now, it remains in place
New Laws Passed in 2025
During the 2025 legislative session, Washington State passed several new laws to help immigrants:
- Workplace Protections: New rules make it harder for employers to exploit undocumented workers. Workers who lose jobs due to immigration status may qualify for a wage replacement program, giving them some financial support.
- Court Appearance Protections: Laws now protect workers from losing their jobs if they have to go to court, which is important for immigrants who may be called as witnesses or defendants.
- Healthcare Access: The state is expanding programs to help undocumented immigrants get healthcare, including preventive care and emergency services.
- Housing Stability: New laws cap rent increases and fees, making it less likely that immigrant families will be forced out of their homes due to rising costs.
- Law Enforcement Reforms: Police are being trained to avoid unnecessary traffic stops and other actions that could lead to immigrants being detained or deported.
Practical Implications for Immigrants
For undocumented immigrants in Washington State, these changes mean:
- Less fear of arrest or deportation during everyday activities, like driving or reporting a crime
- More access to healthcare and social services, which can help families stay healthy and stable
- Better protection at work, making it harder for employers to take advantage of undocumented workers
- More stable housing, with new rules to prevent sudden rent hikes or evictions
- Continued risk for those in state prisons, who may still be transferred to ICE after serving their sentences
It’s important to remember that while state and local protections are strong, federal immigration enforcement can still operate in Washington. Sanctuary policies do not stop ICE from making arrests or starting deportation cases, but they do make it harder for federal agents to use local police and jails to find and detain immigrants.
Political and Social Context
Washington’s sanctuary status has led to strong reactions from federal officials, including President Trump and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They argue that sanctuary policies make communities less safe and have threatened to withhold federal funding from the state and its cities.
However, state leaders and immigrant advocacy groups say these policies are essential for:
- Community safety: When immigrants trust the police, they are more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations
- Economic stability: Immigrants, including undocumented residents, contribute nearly $1 billion in state and local taxes each year
- Human rights: Sanctuary policies help protect families from being separated and ensure everyone has access to basic services
Washington is home to about 1.2 million immigrants, with an estimated 325,000 undocumented residents. These communities are a vital part of the state’s economy and culture.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, several things may change:
- Advocacy groups are pushing to end the DOC exemption, which would fully protect immigrants from being transferred to ICE after serving prison sentences
- Healthcare and worker protections are likely to expand, making it easier for undocumented immigrants to access services and support
- Federal-state tensions will likely continue, with ongoing legal battles over funding and enforcement
- Immigrant communities should stay alert for changes in federal policy, especially as the U.S. Department of Justice has announced new denaturalization efforts and increased enforcement in sanctuary jurisdictions
Key Contacts and Resources
If you are an immigrant in Washington State, here are some important resources:
- Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): Offers legal help, updates on rights, and community support. Visit their website for more information.
- State and city government websites: Provide details on sanctuary policies and services for immigrants. For example, the Washington State Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance offers information on available programs.
- Local legal aid organizations: Can help with immigration cases, especially if you are at risk of deportation or have a pending application
What Should Immigrants Do Now?
- Know your rights: Learn about Washington’s sanctuary laws and how they protect you
- Get legal advice: If you have a pending immigration case or are in state prison, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible
- Use available services: Take advantage of healthcare, housing, and job support programs if you qualify
- Stay connected: Join local immigrant organizations to get updates and support
- Be cautious: Even with strong state protections, federal agents can still enforce immigration laws
For Employers and Service Providers
- Follow new state laws: Make sure your workplace policies comply with protections for undocumented workers
- Do not retaliate: It is illegal to punish workers for using their rights under the new laws
- Provide information: Help immigrant workers and clients understand their rights and available services
For Law Enforcement and Local Officials
- Train staff: Make sure all officers and employees understand the new rules about immigration enforcement
- Respect sanctuary policies: Do not share information with ICE or hold people for immigration reasons unless required by law
- Work with community groups: Build trust with immigrant communities by supporting their rights and safety
Conclusion and Takeaways
Washington State’s status as a sanctuary jurisdiction in 2025 means stronger protections for undocumented immigrants, expanded access to services, and new laws to prevent exploitation and displacement. While federal officials continue to challenge these policies, the state remains committed to supporting its immigrant communities.
Immediate next steps for immigrants:
- Stay informed about your rights and any changes in state or federal policy
- Seek legal help if you have a pending case or are at risk of deportation
- Use state and local services for healthcare, housing, and job support
- Connect with advocacy groups for updates and support
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes make Washington State one of the most protective places in the United States 🇺🇸 for undocumented immigrants, but it’s important to remain alert and prepared for any shifts in federal enforcement.
For more details on Washington’s official policies and available services, visit the Washington State Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance.
By staying informed and using available resources, immigrants and their families can better protect themselves and plan for the future in Washington State.
Learn Today
Sanctuary Jurisdiction → An area limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration enforcement and border security.
DOC Exemption → A legal allowance for Washington prisons to transfer immigrants to ICE after sentence completion.
Wage Replacement Program → State program providing financial support to undocumented workers losing jobs due to immigration status.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Washington strengthened its sanctuary policies in 2025, expanding immigrant protections, healthcare, and workplace rights, even amid federal opposition. These reforms reduce immigration arrests and improve support for undocumented residents across 35 counties and 5 cities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to immigrant inclusion and safety amidst political challenges.
— By VisaVerge.com
