Bill to Increase Penalty for Impersonating Police Officer Passes WA House

Debate continues over whether federal immigration officers should be included in the legislation.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Washington state House of Representatives passed a bill that would make impersonating a law enforcement officer a gross misdemeanor. The bill faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers who raised concerns about whether the definition of federal peace officer would include federal immigration enforcement agents. Supporters argue the bill is crucial for protecting immigrant communities from dangerous imposters, while critics say the conduct is already illegal.

Why it matters

The national debate around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations has elevated discussions around public safety bills in the Washington legislature. This bill aims to crack down on impersonators who have posed as ICE agents to commit crimes, but some lawmakers worry it could be interpreted too broadly.

The details

House Bill 2165 would make impersonating a law enforcement officer a gross misdemeanor. Republicans opposed the bill, raising questions over whether the definition of federal peace officer would include federal immigration enforcement. Supporters, including Governor Bob Ferguson, argue the bill is crucial for protecting immigrant communities from dangerous imposters. Critics, including Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, say the conduct is already illegal and the bill is unnecessary.

  • The bill was debated and passed by the Washington state House of Representatives on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The bill now moves to the state Senate for further consideration.

The players

House Bill 2165

A bill that would make impersonating a law enforcement officer a gross misdemeanor in Washington state.

Bob Ferguson

The Governor of Washington state, who supports the bill as a way to protect immigrant communities.

Keith Swank

The Pierce County Sheriff, who has criticized the bill as unnecessary since impersonating an officer is already illegal.

Dan Griffey

A Republican state Representative from Allyn, Washington, who initially supported the bill but ultimately voted against it due to concerns from his caucus.

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What they’re saying

“There is an alarming uptick in those that outfit their vehicles with police-like regalia and actually pull people over. There are instances where a female has been sexually assaulted.”

— Dan Griffey, State Representative (The Center Square)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Washington state Senate for further consideration and debate.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing tensions between efforts to protect public safety and concerns about overreach, particularly when it comes to federal immigration enforcement. The debate over this legislation reflects the broader political divisions in Washington state around issues of law enforcement and immigration.