In a victory for federal immigration enforcement, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that local authorities cannot interfere with federal deportation activities. The case stemmed from a 2019 executive order by King County Executive Dow Constantine that restricted ICE flights from using services at a county-owned airfield.
Constantine’s order prohibited fixed base operators (FBOs) at Boeing Field from servicing ICE-chartered flights, effectively impeding the agency’s ability to deport illegal immigrants. The Trump administration sued, arguing that the order violated the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and an agreement allowing federal use of the airfield.
The court ruled unanimously in favor of the federal government, stating that the executive order unlawfully regulated ICE’s transportation of detainees and discriminated against the federal government. The ruling emphasized that local authorities cannot obstruct federal agencies performing their duties.
King County officials confirmed they would not appeal the decision, which sets a precedent for federal supremacy in immigration enforcement. The ruling comes as the Trump administration prepares to crack down on sanctuary cities and strengthen border enforcement.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan has already warned local officials against resisting ICE operations. “Don’t test us,” Homan stated, emphasizing that harboring illegal immigrants is a felony offense.
Some officials, however, remain defiant. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has vowed to block federal agents from operating within his city. He initially likened his efforts to the Tiananmen Square protests but later retracted the comparison after criticism. Homan responded by warning Johnston that obstruction could result in jail time.
This ruling highlights ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities over immigration enforcement. The decision underscores the federal government’s authority to enforce immigration laws despite local resistance.
