Seattle Department of Corrections Seeks to Block Law on Hiring Immigrants
The Department of Corrections in the Seattle area is urging a Washington judge to prevent the enforcement of a state law that prohibits hiring undocumented immigrants. This comes in light of a whistleblower complaint, which claims that many prison guards are working without proper authorization.
The investigation into these claims started in early October when an anonymous employee from King County alerted the state Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC). The complaint mentions that some individuals are only employed under temporary work visas, and in certain instances, their work permits have expired entirely. It argues that this situation directly contravenes state law.
Allen Nance, who oversees the King County Adult and Juvenile Detention Department, is reportedly taking legal action to overturn the state law instead of adhering to the hiring regulations it stipulates.
Nance remarked in a memo, which was shared by a local news host, that “Washington has a long-standing prohibition against discrimination based on immigration status.” He contends that the law is unconstitutional because it limits employment eligibility in ways that conflict with federal immigration requirements. Furthermore, he asserts that it puts jail safety at risk by disqualifying qualified, experienced correctional officers.
The department previously stated to Fox News Digital that they are looking into the whistleblower’s claims and denied that any guards were undocumented immigrants, though some did not meet the legal qualifications.
According to Washington state law, all peace officers must have their immigration status confirmed and must be either U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The law bars the employment of individuals who hold temporary visas, have expired work permits, or are undocumented immigrants without DACA eligibility.
The WSCJTC emphasized to Fox News Digital that while they are responsible for training newly hired correctional officers, it’s ultimately the hiring agency’s duty to screen applicants. However, it was reported that county officials informed the commission that four recent hires failed to meet the necessary qualifications and were subsequently removed from the training program.
King County is the most populous county in Washington, including Seattle and several surrounding suburbs. The WSCJTC has noted that local officials are cooperating with a broader investigation into the matter.
