Federal Immigration Information
Here you will find clear information regarding the role of the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) in relation to federal immigration enforcement, Washington State law, and public safety responsibilities.
This information is intended to support transparency, community understanding, and operational clarity regarding both the responsibilities and limitations of local law enforcement.
A Message from Chief Patti Jackson
“Public safety is our role. Tacoma Police officers are here to respond to crime, support victims, preserve peace, and serve the people of Tacoma. Immigration status alone is not a police matter, and no one should be afraid to call 911 when they need help.”
— Chief Patti Jackson, Tacoma Police Department
Role Clarity – Tacoma Police Does Not Enforce Federal Civil Immigration Law
The Tacoma Police Department is responsible for local public safety. Our mission is to create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, enforcing the law in a fair and impartial manner, preserving the peace and order in our neighborhoods, and safeguarding our Constitutional guarantees.
Our officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, support victims, preserve peace, and enforce Washington State law and local ordinances.
Tacoma Police officers do not enforce federal civil immigration law. Immigration status alone is not a basis for local police action, and we will not ask about immigration status if someone calls 911 or we are responding to an emergency situation. To reiterate: immigration is a federal civil issue, and our agency neither seeks, nor acts upon an individual’s immigration status.
No one should be afraid to call 911 to report a crime, request emergency assistance, seek help as a victim, or cooperate as a witness.
Commitment to Community Trust and Public Safety
The Tacoma Police Department serves everyone who lives in, works in, or visits the City of Tacoma.
At the same time, we recognize that immigration-related concerns can create uncertainty and fear within communities. Public safety depends on community members being willing to report crimes, cooperate with investigations, seek emergency assistance, and engage with first responders.
TPD remains committed to maintaining trust through transparency, professionalism, accountability, and clear communication regarding our role, outlined above. Additionally, TPD personnel comply with all Washington State laws, including RCW 10.93.160, commonly referred to as the Keep Washington Working Act.
State Law Limits Local Agency Involvement in Federal Immigration Enforcement
Washington State law establishes limitations regarding the involvement of state and local law enforcement agencies in federal civil immigration enforcement. Let us be clear: Immigration enforcement is not the role of state or local law enforcement agencies, including TPD.
Under the Keep Washington Working Act, RCW 10.93.160:
- Tacoma Police officers may not ask about a person’s immigration or citizenship status unless directly connected to a state or local criminal investigation.
- Tacoma Police officers may not detain individuals solely to determine immigration status.
- Tacoma Police officers may not hold individuals based solely on civil immigration warrants or immigration hold requests.
- Tacoma Police officers may not share non-public personal information with federal immigration authorities for civil immigration enforcement purposes unless required by law.
- Tacoma Police may only work with federal law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations involving public safety concerns, including violent crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, terrorism, and organized criminal activity.
To reiterate: The Tacoma Police Department does not conduct civil immigration enforcement operations. We remain committed treating all individuals with dignity, professionalism, fairness, and respect while carrying out our core public safety responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Tacoma Police officers do not ask about immigration status when individuals request emergency assistance, report crimes, or seek help from law enforcement.
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No. Immigration status alone is not a criminal offense under Washington State law and is not a basis for detention or arrest by Tacoma Police officers.
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The Tacoma Police Department does not enforce federal civil immigration law. TPD’s responsibilities are limited to local public safety and criminal law enforcement responsibilities.
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Tacoma Police will only work with federal law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations involving public safety concerns, including violent crime, human trafficking, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, terrorism, and other criminal matters.
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No. Federal immigration authorities operate under federal law. Tacoma Police officers do not direct federal immigration operations. Likewise, Tacoma Police officers and community members may not interfere with lawful federal enforcement actions.
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Federal immigration authorities have access to public records in the same manner as any member of the public.
The Tacoma Police Department will not voluntarily share non-public personal information for civil immigration enforcement purposes unless required by law.
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TPD follows this informational directive approved by Chief of Police Patti Jackson and effective September 10, 2025.
Of note from the directive:
- The department provides law enforcement services at the NWDC [NWIPC] for both detainees and staff members of the NWDC [NWIPC].
- Department personnel will not arrest, stop, detain, or contact an individual based on race, color, religion, sex/gender, ethnic/national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or economic status.