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Inslee Says Washington Won't Aid 'Mean-Spirited Policies' On Immigration

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee listens as his general counsel Nick Brown addresses questions from reporters after the governor issued an executive order Thursday.
Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee listens as his general counsel Nick Brown addresses questions from reporters after the governor issued an executive order Thursday.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed an executive order Thursday in response to President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The Democrat said the state will not participate in “mean-spirited policies” on immigration.

Trump’s Department of Homeland Security warned this week that anyone in violation of immigration laws is subject to arrest, detention and possible deportation.

Inslee’s order bars state employees from assisting the feds in the enforcement of civil immigration laws. It also prohibits state involvement in the creation of any possible, future religious registry -- something Trump has previously suggested for Muslims.

“Washington has always been and will always remain a place that welcomes and embraces people of all faiths, all nationalities and all orientations,” the governor said.

Inslee said his executive order reaffirms existing state policy as did a similar order in Oregon earlier this month.

Copyright 2017 Northwest News Network

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy as well as the Washington State legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia." Prior to joining the Northwest News Network, Austin worked as a television reporter in Seattle, Portland and Boise. Austin is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle and Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut. Austin’s reporting has been recognized with awards from the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Austin Jenkins
Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."