Washington state’s new law allowing non-citizens to serve as police officers faces significant pushback from local law enforcement leadership. The controversial legislation sails through the state senate, but one sheriff stands firm against the tide.
At a glance:
• A bill (SB5068) unanimously passed the Washington state senate allowing non-citizens to serve in public service roles including police officers, judges, prosecutors, and teachers.
• Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank has publicly refused to hire non-citizens for his department despite political pressure.
• The legislation permits anyone authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including migrants with limited status and DACA recipients.
• All 30 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the state senate voted in favor of the bill.
• Sheriff Swank rejects comparisons between non-citizens serving in the military and serving in law enforcement, citing fundamental differences in responsibilities.
Sheriff Takes Stand Against Non-Citizen Officers
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank is taking a stand against a new Washington state law that would allow non-citizens to serve as law enforcement officers. Despite the bill passing with unanimous bipartisan support in the state senate, Swank has made it clear he won’t be hiring non-citizens for his department.
The bill, known as SB5068, would permit immigrants with work authorization to serve in various public service roles including as police officers, judges, prosecutors, and teachers. All 30 Democrats and all 19 Republicans in the Washington state senate voted in favor of the legislation, showing rare political unity on an immigration-related issue.
Constitutional Concerns Over Non-Citizen Law Enforcement
Sheriff Swank has rejected comparisons between non-citizens serving in the military and serving in law enforcement roles. The fundamental difference, according to Swank, lies in the constitutional responsibilities that police officers must uphold when conducting arrests and other law enforcement actions.
The legislation would allow anyone authorized to work in the United States under federal law to serve in these crucial public roles. This includes migrants with limited status and DACA recipients, raising questions about the constitutional implications of non-citizens enforcing American laws against citizens.
Police Shortage Solutions Questioned
Supporters of the bill frame it as a solution to Washington’s ongoing police officer shortage. The legislation is progressing through the state legislature with remarkably little opposition, having already passed a House committee and now awaiting a full House vote.
Sheriff Swank challenged the established narrative, arguing that the real cause of Washington’s police shortage stems from existing state laws that make it increasingly difficult to work as a law enforcement officer. Rather than importing non-citizen officers, Swank suggests addressing the regulatory environment that has created the shortage in the first place.
The bill continues to advance despite these concerns, highlighting growing tensions between state lawmakers and local law enforcement leadership. As Washington moves closer to allowing non-citizens in positions of authority, the debate over constitutional authority and proper qualifications for law enforcement officers intensifies.
