DOJ Targets Washington State – What Gun Owners Must Know

Published on January 30, 2026
Duration: 10:17

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an ultimatum to Washington State, demanding the repeal of its 'Keep Washington Working Act' within seven days or face lawsuits, criminal charges against officials, and the loss of federal funding. This act prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The DOJ argues this violates federal statute 8 USC 1373, which prohibits states from blocking information sharing with federal immigration officers. This legal battle is seen as a potential test case that the DOJ could leverage against Second Amendment sanctuary laws in other states.

Quick Summary

The DOJ is demanding Washington State repeal its 'Keep Washington Working Act' within seven days or face lawsuits, criminal charges, and loss of federal funding. This act prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. The DOJ argues this violates federal statute 8 USC 1373 and aims to use any legal victory as a precedent against other sanctuary laws, including those related to Second Amendment rights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00DOJ Ultimatum to Washington State
  2. 00:15Playbook for Other Sanctuary States
  3. 00:47The DOJ's 7-Day Ultimatum
  4. 01:15Keep Washington Working Act Explained
  5. 02:13What Washington's Law Actually Says
  6. 03:28Why the DOJ Says It's Illegal
  7. 04:54The Federal Threats Detailed
  8. 06:18Washington's State Resistance
  9. 07:35Sheriff Dale Wagner and Allies
  10. 08:53Why Gun Owners Should Pay Attention

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DOJ's main concern with Washington State's 'Keep Washington Working Act'?

The DOJ contends that Washington's 'Keep Washington Working Act' of 2019 illegally prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by prohibiting assistance with detentions, checkpoints, and information sharing, which they argue violates federal statute 8 USC 1373.

What actions is the DOJ threatening against Washington State?

The DOJ has given Washington State seven days to repeal its sanctuary law or face severe consequences, including lawsuits, criminal charges against state officials, and the withholding of millions of dollars in federal grants crucial for law enforcement.

How could the DOJ's actions in Washington impact other states?

The DOJ aims to establish a legal precedent through a potential court victory in Washington. This precedent could then be used as a playbook to challenge and dismantle similar 'sanctuary' laws in other states, including those protecting Second Amendment rights.

Who is Sheriff Dale Wagner and why is he significant in this case?

Sheriff Dale Wagner of Adams County, Washington, continued to cooperate with ICE despite state law. The state attorney general sued him, providing the DOJ with a key example to argue that Washington is actively obstructing federal enforcement and penalizing cooperation.

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