LYNNWOOD—In a message to residents on Friday, Lynnwood Police Chief Cole Langdon shared that the Keep Washington Working Act prevents law enforcement from assisting in immigration enforcement. Last Friday, Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn shared a similar stance.
Below is his community message in its entirety:
As your Chief of Police, I want to take a moment to reaffirm the Lynnwood Police Department’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members. Our mission is to provide proactive, competent, and effective public safety services to all people, with the highest regard for human dignity, through efficient and professional law enforcement and crime prevention practices.
I understand that there are concerns and anxiety over the recent federal immigration conversations and decisions. While there is still much uncertainty about what recent decisions mean locally, the Lynnwood Police Department will continue to comply with the law. We will continue to comply with the Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.160), which was passed in 2019 and restricts the involvement of state and local law enforcement in enforcing civil federal immigration law. This means that any community member, regardless of immigration status, is encouraged to call 911 to report a crime.
The men and women of the Lynnwood Police Department are honored to serve our community, and we remain dedicated to upholding our core values of professionalism, vigilance, and community. We will carry out our duties of responding to crimes committed within our City, encouraging crime prevention strategies, and engaging with community members respectfully and without discrimination.
Chief Cole Langdon
Author: Mario Lotmore
