Appeals Court Rules Washington County Cannot Block ICE Deportation Flights

 

In a significant legal decision, a federal appeals court has ruled that King County, Washington, cannot prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using Boeing Field (King County International Airport) for deportation flights. The court found that a 2019 executive order banning such flights discriminated against the federal government and violated federal supremacy principles.

The executive order, introduced by King County Executive Dow Constantine, aimed to halt deportation flights over concerns about human rights abuses and the impact of ICE’s practices. The county argued that its decision was based on preserving its values and protecting businesses operating at the airport. However, federal authorities contended that the order disrupted ICE operations and placed unnecessary burdens on detainees and agents, who were forced to use facilities further away, such as Yakima Airport, approximately 140 miles southeast of Seattle​

The court determined that the ban treated ICE flights differently from other airport users, effectively discriminating against the federal government. This decision allows deportation flights to resume at Boeing Field, with ICE stating that it prioritizes safety and humane treatment for individuals in its custody​

King County has committed to providing transparency about ICE’s activities at the airport, including monthly public reports. However, activists and immigrant rights groups have criticized the ruling, arguing it undermines community values and increases challenges for detainees​

This ruling underscores ongoing tensions between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement, reigniting debates about the balance between local governance and federal authority in immigration matters.