State partners convened on March 4 for the second meeting of the Family Separation Response Task Force. Members continued to discuss the goals of the Task Force, with the understanding that ensuring the safety and ongoing wellbeing of children and youth experiencing family separation is at the core of its mission.
The Task Force continued to identify key objectives, including:
- Identifying current policies that exist and those that need to change to better support families.
- Developing a common practice to be used by state and local partners when responding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Creating effective lines of communication between state and local partners.
- Ensuring that families can easily access information, resources, and supports when needed, including legal assistance, mental health services, translation/interpretation services, etc.
The Task Force heard from Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal’s Office, representing the 7th congressional district, as well as representatives from the State Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth.
The Task Force continues to review policies that currently exist in Washington that protect the rights of families impacted by separation due to detention or deportation, such as the Keep Washington Working Act. Passed in 2019, this law restricts the extent to which local law enforcement agencies can participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
The Task Force also continues to discuss processes for responding to family separation, including when a child or youth is unaccompanied or is left in the care of relatives. Collaboration between state and local partners will be critical for responding effectively to these types of instances.
To learn more, visit the Family Separation Response Task Force webpage.