Prefiled bill aims to revive immigration enforcement discussions

Washington state’s legislative session begins on Jan. 13, and several bills have already been prefiled. That includes one about enforcing federal immigration laws.

State Sen. Phil Fortunato, a Republican representing the 31st Legislative District, has prefiled Senate Bill 5002.

The bill focuses on federal immigration enforcement by improving cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The bill intends “… to address and prevent criminal illegal immigration activities and the criminal organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and related crimes.” 

The bill proposal also seeks to repeal previous laws that protect immigrants in Washington, including the Keep Washington Working Act. That act prevents law enforcement from collecting information regarding a person’s immigration and citizenship status.

Another section concerns prohibiting state agencies from adopting or having sanctuary policies.

 Sen. Fortunato has presented similar bill proposals before. That includes  Senate Bill 6030 in the 2020 session, and Senate Bill 6320 in 2024. None of them advanced in the Legislature.

 The proposal comes as the issue of immigration and mass deportations have been in the spotlight as President-elect Donald Trump’s new term is about to begin.