Washington Sheriff Defies Sanctuary Law, Tells Border Czar: ‘Put Me on Speed Dial’
Klickitat County Sheriff Bob Songer is taking a firm stand against Washington State’s sanctuary policies, vowing to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
While most state leaders refuse to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Songer has made it clear he will do everything in his power to support the agency, even telling Border Czar Tom Homan to “put me on speed dial.”
Songer released a video in December on the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office’s official Facebook page, where he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security. In the video, he accused the federal government of permitting an “invasion” and pledged to assist ICE in enforcing immigration laws.
Songer’s position directly contradicts Washington’s sanctuary state laws, which prohibit local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities, according to Fox News. It also places him at odds with Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson, who has vowed to “protect law-abiding Washington families,” including what he described as the “overwhelming majority of undocumented residents” who are “decent, hard-working, law-abiding residents.”
Despite the opposition, Songer, a veteran of 56 years in law enforcement currently serving his third term as sheriff, remains resolute in his stance.
“I will cooperate with ICE 100 percent because they’re doing the right thing,” he said in an interview with the outlet.
Although Klickitat County is a small, rural area, Songer said illegal immigrants regularly pass through and often receive government benefits funded by taxpayers. He argued that it is the federal government’s responsibility to secure the border and prevent unauthorized entry.
“When people have invaded our country across the southern border and even the northern border, Canada, our government, it’s their job to protect our American citizens by preventing that invasion,” he said. “Why would any governor, any mayor, any county commissioner, or any sheriff or police chief knowingly allow criminals, serious criminals for murder, rape, whatever, protect them from immigration, protect them from ICE?”
Songer’s motivation for defying the sanctuary law is twofold.
First, he believes the law is unconstitutional. Second, he said the residents of Klickitat County support his position.
“I honestly believe that it’s the best thing for our citizens,” he told Fox News. “You know what’s neat about an elected sheriff versus police chief?”
“An elected sheriff is elected by the people. His or her only boss is the people, not the governor, not the county commissioners, not anybody but the people themselves.”
He added that the people are his boss.
When faced with criticism from Democrats and the media about ICE detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, Songer rejected the argument outright. He dismissed claims that crossing the border unlawfully is merely a civil infraction, insisting, “That’s bull,” pointing out that “it’s a crime under federal law.”
He also criticized what he described as the government’s preferential treatment of illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens.
“They’re coming into this country across the border with no legal representation at all. In other words, they know they’re breaking the law,” he said.
“Why not? They get free phones, free medical, free sign-up, it’s Christmas for them. And at the same time, our government, Democrat government, they didn’t give a d— about veterans or homeless that are U.S. citizens.”
Songer acknowledged Washington’s strong support for sanctuary policies, calling it a difficult environment to live in. However, he emphasized his unwavering commitment to assisting ICE, stating that as long as he remains in office, federal officials can count on his full cooperation whenever needed.
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