Sean Swope: Lewis County will reaffirm that we are not a sanctuary county

In the coming weeks, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice will re-release the national list of sanctuary jurisdictions — communities they believe obstruct cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

If Lewis County is wrongly placed on that list, we stand to lose more than $37 million in federal funding that has already been budgeted this year to support essential county services.

Let me be clear: Lewis County is not a sanctuary county.

We have no policy, ordinance or resolution that prohibits or limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities — other than what is explicitly required by state law, including the “Keep Washington Working Act” (RCW 10.93.160).

To prevent misclassification and protect the services our residents rely on, the Board of County Commissioners will vote on Resolution 25-158 on Tuesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. in the Commissioner Hearing Room (Room 223), Lewis County Historic Courthouse, 351 NW North St., Chehalis.

This resolution reaffirms that Lewis County will fully comply with federal law, including 8 U.S.C. § 1373, which prohibits restrictions on communication with federal immigration authorities, and Article VI, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution — the Supremacy Clause — which makes federal law the supreme law of the land. It also aligns with RCW 10.93.020, which permits local peace officers to assist federal officers, and RCW 9A.76.020, which makes it a crime to obstruct law enforcement officers in the performance of their lawful duties.

Lewis County will cooperate with federal authorities to the fullest extent permitted by law. We will not obstruct investigations, ignore lawful detainer requests or interfere with federal cases.

We will work with — not against — federal partners in the name of public safety, while ensuring that constitutional rights are respected and protected.

This is not about politics — it’s about protecting the people we serve and the services they rely on. The financial stakes are significant.

In 2025, Lewis County is set to receive:

• $14.8 million for roads

• $13 million for broadband expansion

• $2.8 million for communications infrastructure

• $2.5 million in ARPA funding

• $1.1 million for CDBG water and sewer projects

• $990,000 for public health

• $774,000 for the South County Airport

• $61,000 for emergency management

And more…

If we are mistakenly labeled as a sanctuary jurisdiction, these funds — and the vital services they support — are at risk.

We also want to be clear: this resolution does not promote racial profiling or the targeting of any individual based on immigration status. As the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) has stated, no one should fear calling 911 for help due to their immigration status. Our law enforcement officers are here to serve and protect everyone in Lewis County, without exception.

But our duty to protect also includes standing up for the rule of law and ensuring our ability to serve the public without disruption. This resolution protects our deputies, clarifies our legal responsibilities and ensures we remain eligible for critical funding that benefits our entire community.

Public comments can be submitted to bocc@lewiscountywa.gov. 

Or join us in person on Tuesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at the Lewis County Historic Courthouse.

Let your voice be heard — and let’s stand together for law, order, and the future of Lewis County.

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Sean Swope is a Republican Lewis County commissioner.