Protecting Immigrants and Refugees in Kirkland
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Many community members have shared concerns about safety, trust, and how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration agencies. The Kirkland Police Department understands that these issues can create fear and uncertainty, especially for immigrant and mixed-status families.
This page outlines how the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) approaches these community concerns about safety, trust, and our interactions with federal immigration agencies. KPD's work is guided by Washington state law, including the Keep Washington Working Act, which limits the role of state and local law enforcement in federal civil immigration enforcement. This page explains the responsibilities of our officers, and the steps we take to ensure our work remains transparent, community-centered, and separate from federal civil immigration enforcement. It also includes a Q&A section to clarify community questions and concerns.
How KPD Responds to Reports Involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other Federal Immigration Activity such as Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)
Call 911 if you believe:
- There is an immediate threat to public safety.
- A crime is happening.
- Someone may be impersonating an officer.
KPD Officers will prioritize responding to the scene in the following situations:
- If it is unclear whether people claiming to be immigration officers are officers.
- There are concerns that a crime is being committed or there is a risk to public safety.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities are or may be occurring on property where they are not allowed, including City of Kirkland owned or leased property areas that are not open to the public.
When a KPD officer arrives, they will follow KPD policy, which includes:
- Turning on their body-worn camera.
- Assessing the situation.
- Speaking with the person who called 911 – using interpretation services if needed.
- Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate.
- Working to de-escalate the situation.
- Documenting the incident.
- Reporting the incident to a supervisor.
What Kirkland Police officers will document:
If an officer responds to a call about federal immigration enforcement activity, they will document:
- Why the community member called 911.
- Attempts to check the identity of the officers on scene.
- What happened at the end of the call.
Officers will save all documentation in KPD’s official systems, including written reports and body camera video.
Understanding Roles, Responsibilities and How to Identify Law Enforcement
The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) is committed to serving all community members with honor, integrity, and courage.
What Kirkland Police Officers Do
The Kirkland Police Department:
- Responds to 911 calls
- Investigates crimes
- Helps keep people safe at community events
- Supports traffic safety and accident investigations
- Enforces Washington State criminal laws
Kirkland Police Officers are local law enforcement officers and do not have authority to direct, oversee, or supervise federal agencies or their personnel.
Kirkland Police Officers do not enforce federal civil immigration law. KPD follows Washington State law and KPD Policy. Under these laws and policies, KPD does not honor detainer notices, sometimes called administrative warrants, from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These documents are not reviewed and approved by a neutral judge, but prepared by the agency seeking to arrest the subject. By contrast, KPD does acknowledge warrants signed by a judge. KPD also does not share information from its records with ICE or DHS, unless required by a court order, or as required under the Public Disclosure Act.
Reference: RCW Title 9A, Title 10, RCW 10.93.160, Keep Washington Working Act, KPD Policy 413
What Federal Immigration Officers Do
Federal immigration officers — such as officers from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — are federal law enforcement personnel. Their authority comes from the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other federal statutes. Their powers are granted and regulated by the federal government, not by state or local jurisdictions.
Because of this, immigration officers are not required to inform KPD before or during an immigration enforcement action.
These federal officers are not supervised, directed, or managed by the Kirkland Police Department.
The Kirkland Police Department has no authority to oversee, discipline, or control federal immigration officers or their operations. Their activities are carried out under federal authority and remain separate from state, county, and local law enforcement responsibilities.
Kirkland Police Officers cannot interfere with lawful federal authority but will act if there is a threat to public safety or evidence of a state crime.
How to Identify a Kirkland Police Officer
Washington law requires all state law enforcement agencies to have policies that ensure uniformed police officers can be clearly identified by the public and by other agencies while they are on duty.
Look for badges, patches and logos to recognize a KPD officer.
Officers typically:
- Wear a clearly marked uniform with Kirkland Police Department insignia
- Wear a marked uniform that includes their first initial and last name
- Wear department-issued body-worn camera
- Display an official badge
- Operate marked patrol vehicles with City of Kirkland logos
- Carry official KPD identification
KPD officers display identifiable information that is visible to the public, which may include their first initial, last name, and badge. They also wear clothing marked with "KIRKLAND POLICE" or "POLICE" on the back of their uniforms or jackets.
KPD Detectives may be seen in public in civilian type clothes, but when taking enforcement action, they will have clearly identifiable vests on that include their name, badge, and other police markings.
Kirkland Police Officers display identifiable information that is visible to the public.
Kirkland Police Officers operate marked patrol vehicles.
FAQs
Community Commitment
The mission of the Kirkland Police Department is to protect and serve our community with honor, integrity, and courage. The Kirkland Police Department is committed to:
- Protecting people’s constitutional rights, including the right to free speech and the right to assemble
- Ensuring everyone’s safety
- Acting with transparency
- Serving all community members, regardless of immigration status
- Following Washington State law
The information provided in this guide is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not legal advice. The KPD cannot provide legal advice. Every situation is different, and you may benefit from speaking with someone who can give guidance based on your specific circumstances. You can contact these organizations for support:
You do not need to hire a private attorney to get help. Many organizations provide free services and support, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
If you want to report a civil rights concern, request legal information, or file a complaint about federal enforcement activity, these resources may help.
For more information, please visit the City of Kirkland's Immigrant Community Resources web page or contact the Kirkland Police Department: 425-587-3400.
How can I request records related to an incident where KPD officers responded?
You can request records by submitting a Public Records Act (PRA) request under RCW 42.56.
A request can be submitted to the Kirkland Police Department in the following ways:
- Online: Kirklandwa.gov/PDR
- Email: publicrecords@kirklandwa.gov
- Phone: (425) 587-3481
- Mail:
Kirkland Police Department, Records Division
11750 NE 118th ST
Kirkland, WA 98034
- Fax: (425) 587-3410
- In person: Obtain a Public Records Request form from the Customer Service Desk at the police department. The Records Division's hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on holidays. The Kirkland Police Department is located at:
The Kirkland Justice Center
11750 NE 118th ST
Kirkland, WA 98034
Do KPD officers wear masks during their patrols or operations?
The Washington State legislature recently passed a law that forbids law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing their duties. KPD complies with this law, and officers do not wear masks or materials that cover their faces during routine calls for service.
In limited situations, officers may wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including facial coverings, during safety-related operations. This includes officers working undercover and during SWAT operations. Facial coverings can be utilized if there is a known risk of airborne hazards present during an event (e.g. pandemic, smoke, gas, irritants or flammable material). In these situations, PPE is used strictly for personal protection.
Reference: SSB 5855, RCW 10.116.052
Are KPD officers required to identify themselves when asked?
Yes. KPD officers are required to identify themselves when requested while on duty or acting in an official capacity. Officers are issued department identification that includes their name, identifying information and photograph, which they must show upon request as soon as practical.
KPD officers also wear uniforms with identifying information that may include their last name and KPD badge.
Reference: KPD Policy 1024.3.1
What if someone says they are a federal officer but refuses to show identification?
Call 911. A call receiver will ask questions to understand the situation. Depending on your responses, an officer may be dispatched to the location.
When an officer arrives, they will follow KPD policy, this may include:
- Turning on their body-worn camera
- Assessing the situation
- Speaking with the person who called 911
- Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate
- Working to de-escalate the situation
- Documenting the incident.
Officers do not have authority over federal operations but will respond if there is a threat to safety or evidence of a state crime.
What if I’m unsure whether a vehicle stopping me is law enforcement?
If you are unsure whether the vehicle attempting to stop you is law enforcement, you may take steps to ensure your safety while still complying with the law.
You may call 911 to confirm whether the vehicle and officer are legitimate. Tell the call receiver your location and that you are being signaled to pull over but are unsure if the vehicle is law enforcement.
If you feel unsafe stopping immediately, you may drive at a reduced speed to a well-lit, populated area - such as a gas station or business - while activating your hazard lights to show you are not attempting to flee.
Once stopped, you may ask the officer to show identification or provide their name and agency.
If at any point you believe you are in immediate danger, call 911 and follow the call receiver’s instructions. KPD officers will respond in an effort to ensure your safety.
What will KPD do if someone is found to be impersonating law enforcement to kidnap a community member?
If KPD determines someone falsely presented themselves as a law enforcement officer to carry out an unlawful act, such as attempting to kidnap someone, officers would conduct a criminal investigation which may result in an arrest and referral for prosecution under RCW 9A.60.040 (Criminal impersonation in the first degree), which is a Class C felony, along with any additional applicable felony charges related to attempted kidnapping.
What can I do if I believe federal law enforcement are violating a community member’s rights?
Call 911. A call receiver will ask a series of questions. Depending upon your responses, an officer may be dispatched to the location.
Upon arriving, the officer will follow KPD policy, which includes turning on their body-worn camera, assessing the scene, and taking appropriate action which will vary according to what is occurring when the officer arrives. These actions may include contacting the person who called 911, verifying law enforcement credentials, working to de-escalate the situation, and documenting the incident.
KPD officers have no authority over federal operations or enforcement of civil laws but will respond if there is an emergency, a threat to safety, or evidence of a state crime.
Everyone has certain constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement. Knowing these rights can help you make informed decisions during an encounter with immigration or other law enforcement officers. Resources are available that explain what to do if immigration officers approach you.
For free legal services related to immigration matters, you can contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771.
Can I record law enforcement?
Yes. The First Amendment protects your right to record law enforcement officers while they are performing their duties in public spaces.
Here are some guidelines for recording safely and legally:
- Follow officers' instructions about maintaining scene safety.
- Do not physically block or interfere with an investigation or arrest.
- Keep a reasonable distance that does not interfere with law enforcement activities.
- You may record from public spaces such as sidewalks and public parks.
- Be aware of your surroundings, your own safety, and the safety of others around you.
Does KPD work with federal agencies like ICE or Homeland Security?
KPD works with Homeland Security Investigations only on serious criminal cases — such as human trafficking, child exploitation, and related financial crimes. These crimes cross state and federal borders. KPD partners with these federal agencies because they are allowed to work in other states and countries, and because of their expertise. This helps us solve and prosecute these crimes in our communities. KPD does not participate in civil immigration enforcement.
Contact with ICE or CBP (Customs and Border Protection) happens only when those agencies are involved to assist the victims or witnesses in criminal investigations and prosecutions of these types of crimes.
What does KPD do if there is an officer that is collaborating with or assisting federal immigration authorities?
KPD officers are not allowed to participate in civil immigration enforcement. If the Kirkland Police Department learns that an officer may have assisted federal immigration authorities in a way that violates policy, the matter is reviewed through an internal investigation.
Confirmed violations can lead to discipline consistent with KPD procedures, up to and including termination.
Does KPD share personal information or data with ICE or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)?
KPD does not share personal information or other records with ICE or CBP for immigration purposes unless required by a court order or required by the public disclosure act. Information may only be shared with federal agencies as part of a specific criminal investigation, in accordance with state law and KPD policy.
Can federal agencies access KPD cameras or computer systems?
Federal agencies do not have direct access to KPD databases, systems, or cameras. Limited access may occur only during a specific joint criminal investigation, under strict controls, and only for that investigation. These situations are managed by KPD’s Investigations Unit and are not connected to immigration enforcement.
What should I do if federal officers are present and give me instructions?
Follow their instructions. If a federal law enforcement officer tells you to move or comply with a directive, the safest choice is to do so at that time. Choosing not to follow instructions could put you and others at risk. This risk could include your safety or the safety of people around you and could result in detention, arrest, or physical removal.
You may document what happened and seek legal assistance afterward. If you believe your rights were violated, you may file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency or consult an attorney.
Are KPD officers allowed to obstruct federal law enforcement?
No. Just like anyone living in the community, KPD officers are prohibited from obstructing federal law enforcement operations. Officers who obstruct federal officers may face the same consequences as anyone else, including arrest and detention.
KPD officers are committed to acting within their legal authority and making safety-focused decisions that protect both community members and themselves.
When appropriate and safe to do so, officers may confirm law enforcement credentials, assess for threats to life or safety and possible state law violations, work to de-escalate situations, and document the encounter through written reports and body-worn camera recording.
How do I file a civil rights complaint?
To get started:
If your concern is about federal immigration officers, contact the appropriate federal oversight agency:
For free legal services related to immigration matters, you may also contact the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) at 1-800-445-5771.
Questions, comments, or concerns?
Contact us on the Our Kirkland portal and select "Website Questions/Concerns."