WA bill would limit immunity for ICE agents in noncriminal enforcement activities

(The Center Square) – As Washington state officials ramp up opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts, one state lawmaker has proposed a bill that would limit legal immunities for federal immigration officers.

The legislation would allow people to file civil claims against those officers on the basis that they violated the U.S. Constitution. Such situations could potentially apply in situations where federal immigration officers are arresting individuals during civil immigration enforcement activities who have criminal records.

House Bill 2597 sponsored by Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue) would create liability for actions taken by a government agent while participating in civil immigration enforcement for legal relief, equitable relief and any “other appropriate relief.” The claim must be filed within three years of the incident.