The question of Pullman’s Police and their cooperation with ICE has become a topic of interest in the community, as protests have occurred in downtown Pullman.
Pullman Police Commander Ruben Harris said they are not working with ICE, U.S. Border Patrol or any federal entity on any immigration cases. The department does not ask, collect or share immigration information.
“We frequently encourage various student assistance and wellness offices at WSU, from substance use to housing issues,” Harris said. “Know your rights and consult with a legal counsel for a plan ahead of time. Pullman Police Department officers are certified Peace Officers. We follow and uphold Washington State law, which includes the Keep Washington Working Act.”
The act restricts state and local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement, protecting the rights of immigrant residents. It limits the sharing of information with ICE/CBP, prohibits using agency resources for immigration detention, and protects access to public services regardless of citizenship status.
ICE presence has increased in several major Democrat-led states, including Minnesota. ICE has made headlines after killing two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Whether you are pro immigration or anti-immigration, you have seen constant videos online of ICE assaulting or stereotyping legal and illegal immigrants.
Some cities like Minnesota and Los Angeles have stood strong against the federal government and its ambitions to deport whom they see fit. While Pullman is in Washington, Whitman County’s residents (excluding WSU students) are right-leaning.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Pullman has had anti-Trump regime protests, and with the deaths of U.S. citizens in the last month, the protests are only gaining more traction.
“Various political and human rights organizations have had rallies and they have been respectful to both traffic and pedestrians,” Harris said. “I expect more events; we respect the rights for free speech and assembly.”
Colleges across the country have had students deported amid Pro-Palestinian protests. Marco Rubio, United States Secretary of State, stated that foreign students are here to learn and not be activists and that such action can result in them being deported. Last April, three WSU international students had their visas revoked and SEVIS records terminated due to the Trump administration’s harsh crackdown on student visas.
The government is offering money for self-deportations and with hotlines to report suspicious undocumented people, a move critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center, say encourages fear, racial profiling, and community mistrust while raising serious civil rights and ethical concerns.
If you or someone you know is undocumented, “The Northwest Justice Project” has an office in Pullman and connections to other resources for people in need during these times.
