ADAMS COUNTY, Wash. — The Adams County sheriff is responding to a lawsuit filed by the Washington state attorney general over immigration law enforcement.
In a statement released on Facebook, Sheriff Dale Wagner called the lawsuit a “disappointing attempt to hinder our ability to uphold public safety.”
Sheriff Wagner denies enforcing federal immigration law but says ACSO won’t turn a blind eye to criminal activity.
Wagner also thanked the non-profit law firm America First Legal for their support. America First Legal was founded by Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to President Trump.
The full statement can be seen below.
As Sheriff of Adams County, my top priority is ensuring the safety and security of our residents. The recent lawsuit filed by the Washington State Attorney General against the Adams County Sheriff’s Office is a disappointing attempt to hinder our ability to uphold public safety.
Our deputies take an oath to protect our communities from criminal activity, regardless of where it originates. The claim that we are engaging in “illegal federal immigration enforcement” misrepresents the reality of law enforcement in Adams County. We do not enforce federal immigration law, but we also will not turn a blind eye to criminal activity—no matter who commits it. The state’s restrictions attempt to tie the hands of law enforcement, making it harder to cooperate with federal agencies that help keep dangerous individuals off our streets. Public safety should never be a political issue, yet this lawsuit prioritizes ideology over the safety of our communities. We will continue to do our jobs with integrity, ensuring that Adams County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. I stand by my deputies and our commitment to enforcing the law fairly and responsibly. We are Grateful for Americas First Legal.
Sheriff WagnerAdams County Sheriff’s Office
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