SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – The "Keep Washington Working Act," passed by the state legislature in 2019, has been a point of contention for local law enforcement and prosecutors in Washington.

The law prevents state, county and city law enforcement from using resources for civil immigration enforcement.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels expressed concern over the impact of this law on victims' families.

The sheriff emphasized that the act prevents the transfer of undocumented immigrants to federal custody after a trial. In 2025 alone, there have been several cases in Spokane County of an undocumented immigrant posting bond before trial and being detained by federal agents and deported, leaving victims without closure.

"We have victims in this community that may never receive justice becaus

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