Sheriff Dale Wagner of Adams County is standing up against Washington’s sanctuary policies, calling them a threat to public safety. He recently testified before Congress, arguing that these rules handcuff law enforcement and protect criminals. The state’s attorney general sued Wagner for working with federal immigration officials, but he says he’s fighting to keep his community safe.
Washington’s sanctuary laws ban local police from helping ICE arrest illegal immigrants, even if they’ve committed serious crimes. Wagner says this forces officers to release dangerous individuals back onto the streets. “These policies aren’t about justice,” he said. “They’re about politics.” Critics argue the rules make it easier for drug traffickers and repeat offenders to avoid deportation.
President Trump has vowed to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities, calling them “death traps.” His administration claims these policies mock American laws and put citizens at risk. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell defends the city’s sanctuary status, but Wagner says local leaders are ignoring the real-world consequences. “We’re stuck between state and federal laws,” he added. “Meanwhile, criminals win.”
The legal battle highlights a growing divide. Washington’s attorney general claims the state has the right to control its resources, but Wagner says that’s code for ignoring federal authority. Other sheriffs across the state back Wagner, arguing sanctuary rules waste tax dollars and strain jail capacity. “We shouldn’t have to rearrest the same violent offenders,” one sheriff said.
Conservatives argue sanctuary policies attract illegal immigration and empower cartels. Wagner pointed to cases where ICE detainers were ignored, leading to preventable crimes. “Criminals know these laws protect them,” he testified. The Trump administration has ramped up raids in sanctuary cities, but state leaders resist cooperation.
Some Democrats, like Congressman Adam Smith, agree that violent criminals should be deported. But Wagner says most state officials prioritize ideology over safety. “They’d rather sue a sheriff than fix the problem,” he said. The lawsuit against Wagner has become a rallying cry for conservatives demanding immigration enforcement.
Trump’s border policies have reduced illegal crossings, but sanctuary cities remain a flashpoint. Wagner’s supporters hope his testimony pushes Congress to withhold funds from states defying federal law. “We can’t let politics override common sense,” he said. The hearing underscored how sanctuary rules fuel division while failing to protect communities.
As the fight continues, Wagner vows to keep challenging what he calls “reckless” policies. “Public safety should come first,” he said. With tensions rising between state and federal leaders, many Americans are watching to see if commonsense solutions can prevail over partisan agendas.
