Sheriff Sparks Showdown Over Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit: 'Bring It On!'

Sarah Johnson
March 18, 2025
Brief
Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer defies Washington’s sanctuary law, clashing with state officials over immigration enforcement and supporting federal action despite legal threats and lawsuits.
Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer isn’t backing down from what he sees as “lunacy” in Washington state’s leadership. The sheriff fired back after Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against Adams County Sheriff’s Office for aiding federal immigration enforcement, saying, "Bring it on, I'll fight them." Bold words for a bold showdown.
The lawsuit accuses Adams County Sheriff’s Office of violating Washington’s 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, which restricts local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, the suit alleges illegal collaboration involving holding undocumented individuals in custody, assisting with interrogations, and sharing confidential resident information.
Brown, a Democrat, described these actions as a breach of state law, aiming to force Sheriff Dale Wagner’s office into compliance. But Songer, who has openly supported ICE, sees this as intimidation tactics from state Democrats, including Governor Bob Ferguson. He labeled the lawsuit as "flat ridiculous" and questioned why leaders would block enforcement against individuals "illegally in our country" who’ve committed serious crimes.
The tension between state sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement isn’t new, but it’s heating up. Just this week, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks announced a collaboration with Spokane County Sheriff’s Office that led to the arrest of a Mexican national suspected of illegal firearms dealing. While Spokane County declined to comment, Songer took the opportunity to reiterate his stance, claiming the Constitution supports his actions.
“Citizens come first,” Songer stated, emphasizing his belief that federal law trumps sanctuary policies. He also expressed hopes for former ICE Director Tom Homan to step in and address what he sees as violations of federal law by state officials. And yes, he even suggested locking up politicians if they are found guilty of such violations. Subtlety clearly isn’t his thing.
As lawsuits and investigations loom, Songer’s defiance reflects broader tensions between local law enforcement and progressive state policies. Whether this escalates into a larger legal battle—or a political spectacle—remains to be seen.
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Editor's Comments
Songer’s unapologetic bravado is practically begging for a Netflix drama adaptation. But behind the theatrics, there’s a real clash of ideologies here—state sanctuary policies versus federal immigration enforcement. One thing’s clear: this showdown isn’t just about sheriffs and lawsuits; it’s a reflection of the deep political divide in America.
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