Club Hosts Sheriff Wagner

On July 17 at the monthly meeting, Yakima Republican Women welcomed Sheriff Dale Wagner as the speaker.

Sheriff Wagner is being sued by the attorney general of Washington state for alleged violations of the Keep Washington Working Act. This act makes the state of Washington a sanctuary state and is not in line with federal law. Under the Washington state act, law enforcement, including sheriffs, cannot in any way cooperate with federal agencies enforcing federal immmigration laws. 

According to the Washington attorney general, Sheriff Wagner violated the Keep Washington Working Act by allegedly cooperating with federal law enforcement officials. During his talk he emphasized his committment to public safety, which is the reason he is refusing to compromise public safety even though there is tremendous political pressure for him to do so. He said he and other law enforcement officials have a difficult time walking the tight rope of trying to enforce contraditory state and federal laws especially when they are trying to protect their communities. 

As a result of his predicament, Sheriff Wagner was asked to testify before Congress about the immigration situation in sanctuary states. We were very moved by his explanation of his situation and by his courage to stand up to the state.