San Juan County Sheriff’s Office statement on immigration issues

by Eric Peter

SJC Sheriff

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize public safety, fairness and trust within the community while upholding state law, County code and ensuring that every member of the community feels secure. In line with RCW 10.93.160, which governs the interaction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, SJCSO reaffirms its commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize public safety, fairness and trust within the community while upholding state law, County code and ensuring that every member of the community feels secure. In line with RCW 10.93.160, which governs the interaction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, SJCSO reaffirms its commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status.

At the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, our mission is to “Protect the lives, rights, and property of all people through crime prevention and enforcement of the law with equity and dignity for all.” We remain dedicated to enforcing the law fairly and impartially, preserving peace and safeguarding constitutional guarantees for everyone in San Juan County.

Key commitments:

1. Compliance with RCW 10.93.160: Immigration and citizenship status — Law enforcement agency restrictions.

• No immigration enforcement: Local law enforcement, including SJCSO, does not enforce civil federal immigration laws. SJCSO does not inquire into an individual’s immigration status unless there is a connection between such information and an investigation into a violation of state or local criminal law.

• Schools as safe spaces: Deputies acting in their official capacity will not inquire into or collect information about an individual’s immigration status nor provide such information to federal immigration authorities for civil enforcement.

• Detention guidelines: Individuals cannot be detained solely for the purpose of determining their immigration status, nor can they be held for a civil immigration warrant or hold request.

2. Working with the community:

• SJCSO’s role is to protect all members of the community, regardless of their immigration status. SJCSO is committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe reporting crimes or concerns without fear of deportation or immigration-related actions.

• SJCSO is not involved in immigration enforcement. We are here to serve and protect all residents, regardless of their immigration status.

3. No agreements with ICE:

• As per RCW 10.93.160, SJCSO and other local law enforcement agencies cannot enter into agreements that would grant federal civil immigration enforcement powers to state or local officers, including agreements under the 287(g) program.

SJCSO will continue to ensure that all community members feel valued, safe, and protected as we work together toward a more inclusive and secure San Juan County.

Eric Peter, sheriff

ericp@sanjuancountywa.gov

360-370-7621