From the Chair
Dear Fellow Democrats,
January has been a frightening and heart-wrenching month for all of us. Watching the murders of Renee Good and Alex Petti, and the abduction of Liam Ramos in his adorable bunny hat were almost too much to bear. We’re all asking ourselves, what can we do? How can we stop this?
The answers aren’t always straight-forward, but one thing I know is that we will find solutions by working together. We can talk to our neighbors, make phones call, hold high our signs, and encourage everyone to cast their ballots. Together, we can elect delegates who will bring our voices to the State Convention. Together, we can vote for candidates like John Duresky, who support the constitution and basic human rights. Together, we can make this country whole again.
In addition to existing laws that restrict state/local law enforcement, schools, and health facilities from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, here are some positive steps being taken by Washington State this year to protect us against ICE.
SB 5855 (Ban on Masked Law Enforcement): Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks, aiming to increase transparency and prevent aggressive, anonymous raids. PASSED Washington State Senate with a 30-19 vote on January 29, 2026. Next steps are committee hearings, a House Floor Vote, Reconciliation between House and Senate versions of the bill, and then signature by the Governor. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Other bills being considered by Washington State Senate include: SB 5906 which prohibits ICE from entering schools, hospitals, and daycares without a judge’s warrant; SB 6002 that imposes restrictions on automated license plate readers to protect our privacy; SB5852 provides worker notification of Immigration audits and limits sharing of employee records; and HI 2641known as the “ICE Out Act” that would prohibit state and local law enforcement from hiring former ICE agents.
Keep reminding YOUR Elected Officials of YOUR needs, and above all else, don’t lose hope.