The King County jail system in Washington has sparked controversy after admitting to employing multiple undocumented immigrants as corrections officers, violating state and federal laws that prohibit hiring unauthorized workers.
A whistleblower accused the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) of unlawfully hiring individuals with temporary work visas or expired authorization, according to a complaint filed with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC). The DAJD acknowledged hiring 38 employees who “incorrectly certified as meeting” state requirements but refused to terminate their employment, vowing to challenge the law instead.
State law RCW 43.101.095 mandates that corrections officers must be legal U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. While the DAJD cited exceptions for DACA recipients and other categories, it admitted over 38 individuals were improperly certified. Despite the violations, the department stated all officers had completed training and would continue working “to ensure the integrity of jail operations.”
The DAJD’s decision to retain allegedly undocumented staff has drawn criticism, with officials refusing to clarify how they intend to address federal immigration laws. The case highlights ongoing debates over enforcement of labor regulations in correctional facilities.
