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King County Washington home

Immigrant and refugee resources

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For translations of the content of this webpage, click on the globe above. Automated translation is intended to be a service for visitors to this website, but it is not perfect, and there may be errors on translated pages.

King County is the most diverse region in Washington state. That diversity is our greatest strength. Immigrants and refugees are at the heart of everything that makes this county extraordinary:

  • Our economy
  • Our culture
  • Our innovation
  • Our shared future

From small businesses to health care and tech companies, immigrant and refugee communities:

  • Help drive our economy
  • Contribute billions in taxes
  • Bring tenacity and deep investment to every neighborhood they call home

You deserve to live with dignity, safety and opportunity. You belong here, no matter:

  • Where you were born
  • What language you speak
  • What documents you carry

We are committed to making sure you have the resources you need to live without fear.

County policy on immigration enforcement

Keep Washington Working Act

The Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) prohibits the use of state and certain local government resources–including property and personnel–to investigate, enforce, cooperate with, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of laws that target Washington residents solely on the basis of:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Immigration or citizenship status
  • National or ethnic origin

King County Code Chapter 2.15

KCC Chapter 2.15 is a comprehensive law that embodies King County’s commitment to being a welcoming county for everyone, including immigrants and refugees. Under this chapter, King County will not use County resources to assist in federal civil immigration enforcement activities or actions.

Role of the King County Sheriff’s Office

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) provides law enforcement in:

  • Unincorporated King County
  • Muckleshoot Tribe
  • Sound Transit
  • Metro
  • 13 county cities and towns

KCSO’s highest priority is the safety of every person who lives, works, visits, and travels through King County.

Based on state law, County Code, and KCSO policy, KCSO does not:

  • Enforce federal immigration laws
  • Participate in civil immigration enforcement activities
  • Share information from its records with ICE or DHS, unless required by a court order

When a deputy arrives at a scene involving ICE, they will follow KCSO policy. This includes:

  • Turning on their body-worn camera
  • Assessing the situation
  • Speaking with the person who called 911 – using interpretation services if needed
  • Verifying law enforcement credentials, if appropriate
  • Working to de-escalate the situation
  • Documenting the incident
  • Reporting the incident to a supervisor

KCSO has more information about legal duties and responsibilities related to immigration enforcement online. This includes guidance and question and answer documents, translated into 16 languages. The guidance also includes information to help residents recognize KCSO personnel.

What King County is doing to support immigrants and refugees

Executive Order and recent legislation

On February 12, 2026, Executive Zahilay signed Executive Order ACO-8-32-EO establishing key protections for immigrants and refugees in King County, including the following actions:

  • Establishing a Welcoming County Subcabinet, which includes representatives from:
    • All King County departments
    • The Prosecuting Attorney's Office
    • The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission 

    This group meets monthly. They discuss and develop actions that strengthen the County's support and protection of residents impacted by federal civil immigration enforcement.

  • Allocating $2 million in emergency support funds for immigrants and refugees impacted by immigration enforcement activity. This includes:
    • housing assistance
    • immigration legal services
    • food assistance
  • Directing the King County Sheriff's Office to develop written guidance on its duties and responsibilities related to federal immigration enforcement activity.
  • Ensuring that all King County Departments are:
    • Improving transparency around the use of the King County International Airport for immigration deportations
    • Limiting the use of County-owned and controlled property for civil immigration enforcement activity
    • Engaging in federal advocacy to limit additional funding for ICE until they change their potentially illegal policies and practices

Legislation

Programs, services, and initiatives

  • The King County Civil Rights Program enforces the County’s anti-discrimination laws. These laws protect residents from discrimination based on immigration status and other protected classes. The Civil Rights Program also works with departments and agencies to improve equity and accessibility.
  • The King County Language Access Program provides oversight, guidance, and tools to support departments, agencies, and contractors in meeting their responsibilities under King County Code Chapter 2.15.
  • The Supportive Community Outreach, Programs and Engagement (SCOPE) Team is a customer service team within the Department of Community and Human Services. They provide centralized information and resource referrals to community members.
  • The Stop Hate Hotline is a 24/7, toll-free, non-emergency phone line for reporting hate crimes and bias incidents in King County.
  • The King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission is an advisory body made up of community volunteers. The commission collaborates with the County Executive and County Council to advise on policies and programs that support immigrant and refugee communities.

Know Your Rights resources

Resources for businesses and private establishments

Community resources

Below is a list of resources and services available to immigrants and refugees in King County.

Legal assistance

Hotlines

Family safety planning

King County is growing – together

King County is one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing regions in the Pacific Northwest. With a population of approximately 2.4 million people in 2025, the county has grown by 22% since 2010. This growth is a testament to the energy, ambition, and resilience of the people who choose to call this place home.

Immigrant communities are at the heart of that growth.

  • Today, nearly 589,000 immigrants live in King County.
  • Immigrants represent 1 in 4 residents, or 26% of the total population.

Between 2010 and 2024, the county’s immigrant population grew by an extraordinary 58%. This is more than double the county's overall growth rate.

That momentum reflects something powerful: people from across the globe see King County as a place of possibility.

King County's immigrant community represents virtually every corner of the globe. They bring with them languages, traditions, expertise, and perspectives that enrich every aspect of life here. The 5 largest communities by country of birth reflect the county's deep ties to South Asia, East Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia:

Top 5 countries of birth, 2024

Country of Origin

King County Residents

India

83,500

China

73,400

Mexico

55,900

Vietnam

36,500

Philippines

32,600

*China does not include Hong Kong or Taiwan