Washington Sheriff Bob Songer boldly defies his state’s sanctuary laws, extending an unprecedented invitation to ICE officials: “put me on speed dial.”
Quick Takes
- Sheriff Bob Songer of Klickitat County, Washington, is actively opposing his state’s sanctuary laws by pledging full cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- Songer has publicly invited ICE Border Czar Tom Homan to call him directly for assistance, challenging Washington’s prohibition on local law enforcement aiding federal immigration efforts.
- As Trump prepares to implement widespread deportation plans, Republican sheriffs across the country are positioning themselves as key allies, despite potential conflicts with state laws.
- Songer argues Washington’s sanctuary laws are unconstitutional and that crossing the border illegally is a federal crime, not merely a civil infraction.
- With 56 years in law enforcement and serving his third term as sheriff, Songer maintains his only bosses are his constituents, not state officials.
Standing Against Sanctuary Policies
In the deep-blue state of Washington, Sheriff Bob Songer has emerged as a vocal opponent of state sanctuary laws that prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Currently serving his third term as sheriff of Klickitat County, Songer has made headlines by publicly inviting ICE officials to contact him directly for assistance with immigration enforcement, directly challenging state regulations. His stance represents a growing movement among Republican sheriffs nationwide who are preparing to assist President Trump’s planned deportation efforts.
Songer’s defiance is particularly noteworthy given Washington’s strong sanctuary protections, which explicitly forbid coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. Governor Bob Ferguson has been a staunch defender of these policies, arguing they protect immigrant communities. However, Songer rejects this reasoning, maintaining that his primary duty is to enforce laws and protect citizens from potential criminal threats, regardless of the state’s position.
Direct Challenge to State Authority
Songer has been unambiguous about his intentions to cooperate with federal authorities despite state prohibitions. His invitation to ICE Border Czar Tom Homan was particularly direct. “You bet I’m saying that Tom Homan, if you wish to contact me, I’ll give you my phone number, he can have me on speed dial,” Songer stated, making clear his willingness to assist federal immigration enforcement at any time. This stance directly challenges the legal framework established by Washington’s sanctuary laws.
With 56 years of law enforcement experience, Songer represents a growing number of sheriffs who view themselves as directly accountable to voters rather than to state officials. This perspective emboldens them to challenge state laws they believe contradict federal statutes or their own interpretation of constitutional duties. For Songer, this means prioritizing immigration enforcement despite the potential legal consequences from state authorities.
Part of a Broader Movement
Songer’s stance aligns with a nationwide movement of Republican sheriffs preparing to support Trump’s ambitious deportation plans. According to former Bristol County, Massachusetts Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, “Sheriffs are going to be emboldened” under the Trump administration. This mobilization includes expectations for an expansion of the federal 287(g) program, which empowers local law enforcement to interview and detain suspected undocumented immigrants. Republican governors, including Florida’s Ron DeSantis, are similarly preparing state resources to assist.
“I will cooperate with ICE 100 percent because they’re doing the right thing.”
Songer has been particularly vocal about rejecting the characterization of illegal border crossing as merely a civil violation. He emphatically asserts it is a federal crime, and he dismisses Washington’s sanctuary laws as “un-American.” He has also expressed frustration over government benefits provided to illegal immigrants while American veterans and homeless citizens struggle. This perspective resonates with many law enforcement officials in conservative counties who feel constrained by progressive state policies.
Legal and Political Implications
The conflict between sheriffs like Songer and sanctuary states highlights the complex tensions in America’s federalist system. While immigration enforcement is federally mandated, states have enacted laws limiting local cooperation with ICE. This creates a precarious legal situation for sheriffs in sanctuary jurisdictions who wish to assist federal authorities. Immigration advocacy groups are already preparing legal challenges, citing potential civil rights violations in Trump’s deportation plans.
Despite these legal obstacles, Songer remains committed to his position as long as he holds office. His stance represents a growing constitutional debate about the respective powers of federal, state, and local authorities in immigration enforcement. As Trump prepares to implement his deportation agenda, sheriffs like Songer will likely become key figures in determining how effectively these policies can be implemented in states with conflicting laws. The resulting legal battles will shape immigration enforcement for years to come.
