Immigration and Keep Washington Working Act

Keep Washington Working Act - Model Policy

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) to establish statewide practices regarding the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local agencies and provide improved support of economic opportunities for all Washingtonians, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.

KWW further directed the Attorney General to publish model policies, guidance, and training recommendations “aimed at ensuring that state and local law enforcement duties are carried out in a manner that limits, to the fullest extent practicable and consistent with federal and state law, engagement with federal immigration authorities for the purpose of immigration enforcement.” KWW also directed the Attorney General to develop and publish similar guidance for public schools, publicly operated health facilities, courthouses, and shelters. Under this legislative directive, the Office of the Attorney General engaged with state and local stakeholders to develop the required model policies and recommendations.

A publication was developed that provides guidance and includes model policies, training, and best practices recommendations intended to assist law enforcement agencies and their officers with understanding the new law, and help to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, have full access to public safety and protection.

In accordance with the requirements of the KWW, we have developed this webpage to inform our community and show compliance with the model policies and recommendations.

Keep Washington Working Act - Auditing Results

The KWW required annual audits in the following areas:

• Requests for immigration and citizenship information;
• Requests for assistance with immigration enforcement;
• Requests from federal immigration authorities or similar for access to individuals in agency custody; and
• Requests for and contacts with foreign consuls.

As of the first quarter of 2026, we have no instances to report.

For questions: contact Commander Magnan - 206-275-7917

Keep Washington Working Act - Disclosure Log

The Mercer Island Police Department maintains this public log in accordance with Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) and applicable Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) guidance.

The log documents instances in which Mercer Island Police Department personnel disclose a person's immigration or citizenship status to a person or agency engaged, or intending to engage, in immigration enforcement, including federal immigration authorities.

The log will be updated when a reportable disclosure occurs. Information contained in the log may be redacted or withheld as permitted or required by the Washington Public Records Act or other applicable law.

Last Updated: August 19, 2026

For additional information regarding the Mercer Island Police Department's compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, please contact the Mercer Island Police Department.