Remember when blue states preached about “respecting democratic institutions” and “following the rule of law”? That sermon apparently doesn’t apply when those same states disagree with federal immigration enforcement. What happens when liberal havens across America refuse to comply with President Trump’s immigration policies? They create “sanctuary” statutes and openly defy federal law. Washington state has taken this resistance to new heights, actually suing a local sheriff for having the audacity to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner found himself in the state’s legal crosshairs simply for helping federal agents apprehend criminal illegal aliens in his jurisdiction. Washington Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit claiming the sheriff violated the state’s “Keep Washington Working Act” (KWW) – their sanctuary law that prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Apparently in Washington, enforcing the law is now against the law.

But there’s a plot twist in this tale of blue state rebellion. The Department of Justice has stepped into the ring, joining the lawsuit to defend Sheriff Wagner against his own state government.

From ‘The Post Millennial’:

“The Justice Department stands with Adams County against Washington state’s overreach,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, we’re sending a clear message: states cannot obstruct federal immigration enforcement. We will not tolerate interference.”

Federal Cavalry Arrives for Sheriff Under Siege

The DOJ filed a statement of interest in the case on April 18, formally joining America First Legal (AFL) in defending Sheriff Wagner. This marks a significant escalation in the battle between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions that obstruct federal immigration enforcement.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche didn’t mince words when announcing the DOJ’s involvement, making it clear that the Justice Department will not stand by while states attempt to block federal agencies from enforcing immigration law. This reflects President Trump’s campaign promise to crack down on sanctuary policies that shield illegal immigrants from deportation, particularly those with criminal records.

The lawsuit against Sheriff Wagner stems from what AG Brown describes as at least 212 instances where the Adams County Sheriff’s Office assisted ICE by sharing information about illegal immigrants in custody. The state claims this violates their sanctuary statute, but Wagner and county officials maintain that federal immigration law supersedes state law – a position the DOJ now formally supports.

Badge of Honor: Sheriff Takes His Fight to Congress

Before gaining DOJ support, Sheriff Wagner took his case directly to Washington, DC, testifying before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement earlier this month. During his testimony, Wagner didn’t hold back in describing the real-world consequences of sanctuary policies.

“[Brown’s] lawsuit is not about justice or protecting communities, it’s about enforcing a political agenda that restricts law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with federal authorities,” Wagner told Congress. He explained that sanctuary policies have resulted in “repeat offenders, drug traffickers, and violent criminals” remaining in communities instead of facing deportation.

Wagner detailed how criminal organizations, including drug cartels and human traffickers, exploit sanctuary policies, knowing they face minimal risk of deportation even when caught committing additional crimes. Despite the state’s legal attack, Wagner declared, “We will not back down from our responsibility to uphold the law and keep our residents safe.”

The Law and Order Rebellion Spreads

Sheriff Wagner isn’t standing alone in this fight. Several other Washington state sheriffs joined him in Washington, DC, meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi and ICE officials to express their own concerns about the state’s sanctuary laws.

The House GOP Judiciary Committee has also placed AG Brown under investigation, demanding documents related to Washington’s sanctuary policies. In typical fashion for sanctuary jurisdictions, Brown refused to comply with the congressional request, maintaining that the state’s law doesn’t violate federal immigration statutes – a position the DOJ clearly disagrees with.

America First Legal, which is spearheading the lawsuit defending Sheriff Wagner, didn’t mince words about what’s at stake: “The state’s brazen attack on a sheriff working to uphold the rule of law and protect his community from criminal illegal aliens is despicable. It must not stand.”

Key Takeaways:

• The Department of Justice under President Trump has joined a lawsuit defending a Washington state sheriff who is being sued by his own state for cooperating with ICE.
• Sheriff Dale Wagner testified to Congress that Washington’s sanctuary laws force law enforcement to shield “repeat offenders, drug traffickers, and violent criminals” from deportation.
• Multiple Washington sheriffs are now working with the Trump administration to push back against sanctuary policies that they believe endanger public safety.

Source: The Post Millennial