In the heart of the deep-blue Washington state, where most leaders are fervently embracing sanctuary policies and shunning cooperation with federal immigration authorities, a lone voice of dissent emerges.
Sheriff Bob Songer of Klickitat County is making a bold stand, pledging his unwavering support for federal immigration enforcement. He has even gone as far as telling Tom Homan, the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to "put me on speed dial."
In a video published on the official Facebook page of the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office in December, Songer accused the Biden administration of having "allowed our country to be invaded."
He made a public commitment to assist ICE in enforcing immigration law, a move that directly contradicts Washingtons migrant sanctuary laws. These laws prohibit local law enforcement from aiding federal authorities in implementing immigration laws.
This stance places Songer in a contentious position, not only with the state's sanctuary laws but also with other law enforcement authorities in Washington. It also puts him at odds with Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson, who has pledged to "protect law-abiding Washington families," including the "overwhelming majority of undocumented residents" who he describes as "decent, hard-working, law-abiding residents."
However, Songer remains undeterred. As reported by Fox News, the veteran law enforcement officer, currently serving his third term as sheriff after 56 years in the field, stated, "I will cooperate with ICE 100 percent because they're doing the right thing."
Despite Klickitat County being a small, rural area, Songer revealed that illegal immigrants regularly traverse the county, often receiving government benefits funded by taxpayers. He questioned the logic of any government official knowingly allowing criminals to be protected from immigration enforcement.
Songer's defiance stems from two primary convictions. He believes that Washingtons sanctuary law is unconstitutional and that the citizens of Klickitat County are demanding this stance. He emphasized the unique position of an elected sheriff, whose only boss is the people, not the governor or county commissioners.
In response to criticisms from Democrats and the media that not all illegal immigrants should be arrested and deported by ICE, Songer was unequivocal.
He dismissed arguments that crossing the border is a civil infraction, asserting that it is a crime under federal law, regardless of the immigrants' intentions.
Songer also criticized the government for providing benefits to illegal immigrants while neglecting veterans and homeless U.S. citizens. He expressed his concern about living in a "blue, blue, blue sanctuary state" but reaffirmed his commitment to cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
In a final message to Tom Homan and former President Trump, Songer pledged his readiness to assist in enforcing immigration laws in Klickitat County. His stance is a stark reminder of the ongoing debate over immigration policies and the role of local law enforcement in their implementation. It also underscores the deep divisions within the country over this contentious issue.
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