In a major victory for federal immigration enforcement, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that local authorities in Washington state cannot obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The decision struck down a 2019 executive order by King County Executive Dow Constantine that restricted ICE-chartered flights at a county airfield.
The executive order prohibited fixed base operators (FBOs) from servicing ICE flights, blocking access to critical services like fueling and landing stairs. The Trump administration sued, citing the Supremacy Clause and a long-standing agreement allowing federal use of the airport.
The court ruled unanimously in favor of the federal government, stating that Constantine’s order unlawfully interfered with ICE’s ability to transport and deport detainees. The panel also found the order discriminatory against the federal government based on its operational status.
King County has confirmed it will not appeal the decision. The ruling reinforces federal authority to carry out deportations even in sanctuary jurisdictions that attempt to hinder enforcement.
Tom Homan, the incoming border czar, has warned local officials against impeding ICE activities, stating that such actions could result in legal consequences. “Don’t test us,” Homan said, referencing the criminal penalties for harboring illegal immigrants.
The Ninth Circuit’s decision highlights the ongoing legal battles between federal agencies and sanctuary cities, setting a precedent for federal supremacy in immigration enforcement.
