King County Tightens Regulations on ICE Enforcement

New executive order aims to protect immigrant and refugee communities amid increased federal activity.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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King County Executive Girmay Zahilay has signed a new executive order that tightens regulations around U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the county. The order allocates $2 million in emergency funding, directs the sheriff's office to publish protocols for responding to 911 calls about ICE, prohibits immigration authorities from staging or conducting civil enforcement on county property, and creates a Welcoming County subcabinet to advise the executive on strengthening support and protections for residents.

Why it matters

The new order is an effort by King County to protect immigrant and refugee communities who have reported feeling afraid to leave their homes and go about their daily lives due to increased federal immigration enforcement. The county is aiming to maintain community trust and ensure local advocacy organizations have the resources they need to support impacted communities.

The details

The executive order directs King County departments to support Know Your Rights resources, review policies to align with state laws, and requires the county's international airport to upgrade security and improve transparency around deportation flights. The order also creates a Welcoming County subcabinet to advise the executive on strengthening protections for residents.

  • On February 12, 2026, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed the new executive order.

The players

Girmay Zahilay

The King County Executive who signed the new executive order.

Teresa Mosqueda

A King County Councilmember who praised the collaboration between the executive and council on the new protections.

Jorge Baron

A King County Councilmember who called for continued evaluation of how the county can protect immigrant and refugee residents.

Patricia Cole-Tindall

The King County Sheriff who said the order provides needed clarity for her deputies.

Maha Roy and Julie Kang

The co-chairs of the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission who thanked county leadership for their commitment.

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What they’re saying

“Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship status, deserves safety, dignity, and to live without fear or intimidation.”

— Girmay Zahilay, King County Executive (mynorthwest.com)

“As local elected officials, we are the last line of defense for the safety and well-being of our communities — and we will continue to work together, using every tool possible to strengthen our local response to federal overreach and ensure that King County remains a welcoming and safe community for all.”

— Teresa Mosqueda, King County Councilmember (mynorthwest.com)

“Our work is centered on delivering public safety. Today's executive order provides direction and opportunity for us to clarify what our deputies can and cannot do when ICE operates in the communities we serve.”

— Patricia Cole-Tindall, King County Sheriff (mynorthwest.com)

What’s next

The King County International Airport will be required to upgrade security cameras and improve observation areas to ensure public access and increase transparency around deportation flights.

The takeaway

King County is taking proactive steps to protect immigrant and refugee communities from federal immigration enforcement, allocating resources, clarifying law enforcement protocols, and strengthening local safeguards in the face of increased federal overreach.