April 2026 Updates
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 Accountability & Community Voice in Action
On April 28, Governor Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown held a press conference. They announced legal action to increase accountability at the Northwest ICE Processing and Detention Center in Tacoma.
The Governor’s Office stated that the legal action, “asks the court to order The GEO Group to allow inspectors from the state Department of Health into the immigration detention facility to ensure it is following state law”.
The GEO Group is a private corporation that operates this federal detention site. The requested court order would allow the state to investigate more than 3,500 complaints from people detained at the facility. For communities across Washington, this action signals that concerns are being taken seriously.
Here’s what a member of our Subcabinet had to say,
“For those who have long raised concerns about inhumane conditions at the Northwest Detention Center, this action signals that their voices are being heard. The decision to pursue legal action - seeking access for the Department of Health to investigate conditions and establish standards - is an important step toward accountability and the protection of basic human rights.”
~ Kristin Ang, Policy Director, Faith Action Network.
Kristin Ang (far right) and many prominent Faith Leaders in the Greater Seattle Area pose with Governor Ferguson after the press conference. Photo credit – Kristin Ang.
 Expanding Our Community Network
Megan Matthews, the Office of Equity (EQUITY) Director, and Amber Ortiz-Diaz, part of the Immigration Subcabinet EQUITY project management team, were recently interviewed by Se Habla Media. Hosted by Jaime Mendez and Diane Oliveros of Se Habla Media, the interview was in Spanish and English.
Megan shared information about the Immigration Subcabinet. They both shared information about the Office of Equity.
A screenshot of the interview between the Office of Equity and Se Habla.
 Agency Standards Subcommittee
This subcommittee works on shared standards for how state agencies work with immigrant and refugee communities.
Recent Actions
The Legislature just passed SHB 2475, a bill about language access, that we reported on in our last newsletter. The Agency Standards Subcommittee will support by:
- Ensuring immigrant and refugee needs are centered in the development of uniform agency language access guidelines
- Assisting on Office of Equity’s proposal to address the statewide interpreter and translator shortage.
This subcommittee is working with the Attorney General’s Office to finalize the Keep Washington Working Act draft model policy. It is also working on implementation guidance for state agencies. Agencies are eager to begin implementing these resources to strengthen their Keep Washington Working accountability.
 Budget Subcommittee
This subcommittee focuses on how programs serving immigrant and refugee communities are counted, funded, and shown in state budgets. It also looks for ways to make the budget process more open and easier to access.
Recent Actions
The Budget Subcommittee has finished defining the scope of work for 2026. It is also working to develop resources that support access and transparency. Resources to be developed include materials about the state government budget cycle, timelines, and important dates.
 Policy Subcommittee
This subcommittee works on changes to state laws and rules that are related to immigration.
Recent Actions
The Policy Subcommittee continues to receive and review feedback on immigration-related legislation from last legislative session that did not pass.
This team is working to coordinate agency comment letters on federal rules. These letters will highlight the impact that these proposed rules will have on immigrant and refugee communities here in Washington.
Two state agencies submitted letters to oppose federal rulemaking. This rulemaking would impact families with mixed immigration statuses & their ability to receive housing benefits. The Department of Commerce letter is here, and the Department of Health letter is here.
Additionally, we are developing a resource to help the public share their perspectives on federal proposals.
 Resources
Look through WA for All’s Refugee and Immigrant Resources page for health care resources, cultural centers, and response teams.
Check out the Rapid Response Hub, put together by the Washington’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA). Share and use the Family Separation Rapid Response Team, put together by the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
Want to share resources with us? Submit through the Share Your Resources! link or email subcabinet@equity.wa.gov.
If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or bias incident, we encourage you to report it here.
If you are a Washington state employee needing support, reach out to the Employee Assistance Program. Plug into the Washington Immigrant Network, a Business Resource Group for state employees.
 Join the Journey
We’re thrilled to begin this work with you and to share updates through this newsletter as the Subcabinet’s efforts unfold.
Together, we’re turning commitment into action. We’re building systems rooted in dignity, trust, and equity for all.
Need translation of Office of Equity materials? Email access@equity.wa.gov.
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