Washington State Lawmakers Drop Effort to Block Former ICE Agents From Law Enforcement Jobs

Proposal to bar hiring of ex-ICE agents under Trump fails to advance in legislature

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A proposal to prohibit law enforcement in Washington state from employing former federal immigration agents hired under President Donald Trump's administration has been dropped for the current legislative session. The so-called "ICE Out Act" sponsored by Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Bremerton, failed to advance out of committee, though the governor said he was open to the idea.

Why it matters

The failed legislation highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and the role of federal agents, especially those hired during the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. While some lawmakers sought to limit the hiring of former ICE agents, others argued it would interfere with law enforcement's ability to do their jobs.

The details

House Bill 2641, known as the "ICE Out Act", would have prohibited bringing on officers who started jobs at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Trump's second term inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Rep. Tarra Simmons, the bill's lead sponsor, said Trump's immigration policies raised questions about the training of ICE officers. However, the bill failed to advance out of the House Community Safety Committee by the legislative deadline.

  • The bill was introduced in the 2026 Washington legislative session.
  • The House Community Safety Committee was scheduled to vote on the bill on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, but took no action.

The players

Tarra Simmons

A Democratic state representative from Bremerton, Washington and the lead sponsor of the "ICE Out Act" legislation.

Bob Ferguson

The Democratic governor of Washington state, who said he was "open to" the legislation addressing the situation with ICE.

Mary Fosse

A Democratic state representative from Everett, Washington who sponsored a separate bill requiring local police to activate body cameras when encountering federal immigration agents.

Jenny Graham

A Republican state representative from Spokane, Washington who opposed the bill requiring body camera use, arguing it could interfere with law enforcement.

Donald Trump

The former president whose immigration crackdown and hiring of additional ICE agents was a key factor behind the proposed legislation.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not happy about it. I felt we should've kept the conversation going.”

— Tarra Simmons, State Representative

“I think I've been pretty clear: anything that's addressing the situation with ICE, I'm more than happy to have a conversation.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor

“We should have observers to keep law enforcement accountable for anything that they might be doing that is not right. However, there is a difference between observing and interfering or becoming physical themselves.”

— Jenny Graham, State Representative

What’s next

Rep. Tarra Simmons said whether she revives the "ICE Out Act" legislation next year depends on whether there is a change in immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration.

The takeaway

The failed effort to bar former ICE agents from Washington law enforcement jobs reflects the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement, with some lawmakers seeking to limit the influence of federal agents hired during the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants.