A recent Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision reaffirmed the federal government’s authority to deport illegal immigrants despite local attempts to block enforcement. The ruling struck down a 2019 order by King County Executive Dow Constantine that hindered ICE flights at a county-operated airport.
Constantine’s directive barred fixed base operators (FBOs) at Boeing Field from providing services like refueling to ICE-chartered flights. The Trump administration sued, citing the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and a longstanding agreement permitting federal use of the airport.
The court ruled in favor of the federal government, finding that Constantine’s order unlawfully regulated federal activities and discriminated against ICE operations. The ruling emphasized that local authorities cannot interfere with federal deportation efforts.
King County officials have stated they will not appeal the decision. The case highlights ongoing battles between federal immigration authorities and local leaders in sanctuary cities opposing ICE’s work.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan has warned local officials against obstructing federal enforcement, reminding them that harboring illegal immigrants is a felony. “Don’t test us,” Homan said, addressing officials like Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who vowed to resist ICE within his city limits.
The Ninth Circuit’s decision underscores the federal government’s primacy in immigration matters and bolsters the incoming administration’s efforts to enforce border security and combat sanctuary city policies.
