Washington Pushes Back on Federal Immigration Raids with New Worker Protection Law

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed the Immigrant Worker Protection Act into law on March 30, marking a bold stand against the Trump administration’s harsh immigration crackdown. The new law, effective June 11, mandates that employers notify workers in writing within five days if federal agents initiate a form I-9 inspection to verify employment eligibility.

Previously, immigrant workers had no legal right to know if their workplace was under federal scrutiny. This secrecy left many vulnerable to surprise ICE raids, wrongful detention, and deportation without the chance to consult a lawyer or gather proper documentation. Now, thanks to HB 2105, workers will receive timely notice detailing which federal agency is involved, the inspection start date, and the specific documents requested.

Malou Chávez, executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, told Filter that this transparency is a critical step forward. “Before the legislation goes into effect, when I-9 audits happen, the employees don’t get to hear about it unless there’s follow-through,” Chávez said. “This is an opportunity for them to have the same information employers get when they receive inspection notices.”

The law also clarifies employers’ rights, instructing them that federal agents cannot access private workplace areas without a subpoena or judicial warrant, and that they are not obligated to cooperate beyond legal requirements. The state attorney general’s office will support the rollout by providing multilingual posters and conducting outreach to businesses and communities.

This legislation responds directly to chilling incidents like a 2025 raid in Bellingham, Washington, where Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) targeted a roofing company’s undocumented workers. After the company complied with document requests, ICE arrested 37 workers in a sudden raid. Under the new law, workers would have had the chance to prepare a defense or seek legal counsel before such actions.

The law also carries teeth: employers who fail to provide required notices risk fines up to $1,000 per worker affected. This accountability aims to prevent employers from hiding investigations and leaving workers exposed to federal enforcement.

Washington’s move reflects a broader wave of resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have been marked by racial profiling, constitutional violations, and an aggressive, often lawless approach to enforcement. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minneapolis have seen mass protests and legal challenges as communities fight back.

Attorney Andrea Schmitt of Columbia Legal Services described the climate of fear the administration has fostered. “People who are documented and undocumented alike are all feeling extraordinarily nervous and affected by the immigration tactics this administration has undertaken,” she said. This new law is a crucial step toward restoring some measure of dignity and legal protection for immigrant workers caught in the crosshairs of federal immigration raids.

Washington’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act is not just about notice—it’s about pushing back on an administration that weaponizes immigration enforcement to spread fear and suppress rights. It’s a model for other states seeking to defend their immigrant communities and uphold democratic values in the face of authoritarian overreach.