Washington State Introduces ICE Out Act of 2026

This week, Democratic lawmakers in Washington state put forward a new bill known as the ICE Out Act of 2026. The primary aim of this bill is to prevent state law enforcement agencies from hiring individuals who have served as officers for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as president.

The bill’s chief sponsor, state Rep. Tara Simmons, has her own background in the justice system, having been incarcerated for three felonies related to drug possession and retail theft back in 2011, although her record has since been cleared.

Simmons stated, “In Washington, we’ve worked diligently to cultivate trust between our communities and law enforcement.” She emphasized the professional standards upheld by local agencies and underscored that hiring ICE agents trained during the Trump administration could undermine this trust. “The last thing we need is for them to go undercover and set us back,” she added.

She also pointed out the importance of police recruitment, expressing a need for more officers in the community. Nonetheless, Simmons stressed that the officers should gain the trust of the residents, not act like an occupying force. “This bill seeks to stop dangerous practices from being part of Washington’s policing culture,” she remarked.

In response to the bill, KTTH radio host Jason Lantz criticized Simmons, stating that her background as a convicted felon stands in contradiction to her stance on law enforcement. Lantz argued that it’s hypocritical for Simmons to promote such legislation while having a record herself, suggesting it sends mixed messages about accountability.

Simmons’ campaign website describes her as a lawyer and civil rights advocate, focusing on criminal justice reform, and notes her efforts to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.

According to Simmons’ office, the proposed bill, known as HB 2641, would bar any Washington state law enforcement agency from hiring anyone sworn in as an ICE officer after January 20, 2025. If passed, the law would take effect on October 1.

In her press release, Simmons outlined various reported incidents involving ICE agents, claiming these include aggressive tactics such as detaining individuals without sufficient reason and invasive surveillance practices. She highlighted community concerns over these methods, aiming to underline the urgent need for the proposed legislation.