The Kent Police Department and the City of Kent are reaffirming that officers do not assist federal immigration authorities with civil immigration enforcement and that residents should not hesitate to call 911 when they need help, regardless of immigration status.
In a joint message to the community released on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, city and police officials said both Washington law and department policy prohibit Kent officers from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other federal agencies with federal civil immigration enforcement.
“Federal immigration enforcement is not the function of local law enforcement, and officers are prohibited from taking action based on a person’s immigration status,” the department said in its statement.
Officials cited the Keep Washington Working Act and Kent Police policy as governing how officers interact with immigration matters, saying officers are not allowed to take enforcement action based on immigration status and are not authorized to help with civil immigration operations.
Police said they do not have authority over federal agencies and cannot interfere with federal law enforcement operations, which are conducted under federal law. However, officers will respond to calls involving public safety concerns and assess each situation to determine appropriate action.
“Should anyone in our community observe a situation that creates a public safety concern, please call 911 and report it,” police said. “Kent Police will respond and assess the situation and take action to ensure public safety, keeping in mind that ICE has the authority to seize and arrest people within the scope of federal law.”
Mayor Dana Ralph and Police Chief Rafael Padilla said no one in Kent should be afraid to call for help because of their immigration status.
“We are here to protect everyone,” the statement said.
