Seattle-area jails probed over guard eligibility
A whistleblower complaint filed Aug. 27 alleges King County’s Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention hired corrections officers who lacked the immigration status required by Washington law, which limits hires to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or DACA recipients. The county says it is investigating, denies employing unauthorized immigrants, and acknowledges it may have misapplied a state statute; the state Criminal Justice Training Commission confirmed four recent hires did not meet eligibility requirements and were expelled from training.
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Public Safety
📌 Key Facts
- An unnamed King County detention officer filed the complaint with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission on Aug. 27, 2025.
- Allegations include hires with only temporary visas or expired work authorization, which state law does not permit for corrections officers.
- King County says the true number of potentially ineligible officers is “well below” media reports and is taking remedial steps.
- WSCJTC said four recent hires were deemed ineligible and removed from the training program after county notification.