LEADING WITH PURPOSE / UPCOMING TOWN HALL

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) posted this to the news section of his legislative website on 2026-02-12 11:30:57

Friends and neighbors,

I’ve heard from so many constituents sharing their concerns about the dangerous and harmful actions of the federal government and ICE agents across our country.

Let me be clear that the tactics used by ICE are unacceptable and un-American.

I don’t make that statement lightly. Our country was founded on the fundamental principle of freedom from government control, and we fought the Revolutionary War over this ideal.

Our Constitution protects our rights to due process of the law and freedom of assembly: both are fundamental to protecting Americans from government tyranny.

For example, the Constitution makes it clear that a law enforcement officer doesn’t get to decide that they have enough evidence to break into a house to arrest someone—a judge needs to review the evidence and approve the warrant.

The images from across the country are horrifying, and Americans who are peacefully protesting should not be subject to tear gas, pepper spray, or bullets.

While I may not be able to stop the actions of the federal government in Minnesota and elsewhere, I can work with my colleagues in Olympia to help protect Washingtonians. Our state has worked for over a decade to train local and state law-enforcement officers on de-escalation tactics and reducing the use of deadly force. We know this is important to our state: 59 percent of voters supported Initiative 940 in 2018 to develop this work.

The legislature is considering several bills to address dangerous policies and tactics used by federal agents. For example, we have legislation to prohibit law enforcement officials from wearing masks and not being clearly identifiable. I’ve spoken to law enforcement leaders, and they agree – masks undermine the public’s trust in police.

I know these are challenging times, but I also know that our nation has faced difficult times in the past. We must remember what unites us as Americans—that’s especially important as we prepare to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our nation.  If we focus on protecting bedrock American values—and work to take care of each other—we’ll get through this, too.

I share some of these thoughts in my video update. Click here or on the image below to watch it.

UPHOLDING OUR VALUES

In Washington, our values are not negotiable. Freedom, fairness, justice, equity, dignity, and safety are the principles that guide our work. As we see increasing chaos and harm caused by federal immigration enforcement actions, we are working on legislation to protect Washington families and uphold the values that define our state. Two key policies include:

HB 2165 / SB 5876: Prevents law enforcement impersonation to protect public trust and safety.

HB 2173 / SB 5855: Bans use of face coverings/masks by law enforcement officers to promote transparency and accountability.

These measures can help ensure that Washington remains a welcoming state.

If you, or someone you know needs information or help, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) at DSHS provides vital services, and the Commission on Hispanic Affairs has a Rapid Response Hub with links to numerous resources.

COME TO OUR TOWN HALL!

As we have done in the past, Sen. Ron Muzzall and I will host an in-district town hall on February 21 at 11 A.M. I hope you can join us. If you want to submit your questions ahead of the event, please click here or on the image below. You can also scan the QR code and it will take you straight to the form.

SURVEY RESULTS

Many thanks for taking my priorities survey. Your input will help me make better decisions as we continue going through the legislative process. While every category in the first question received votes, the top issue areas most of you believe the legislature should prioritize this session are transportation, affordability, housing, K-12 education, human services, and taxes. Hundreds of you responded to my second question, a specific issue lawmakers should focus on that would make the biggest impact on your household. It was open-ended, and I’m grateful that you took the time to share your thoughts. I want you to know I read every answer—and I really appreciate the feedback on a wide-range of topics.

This is all for now. I truly appreciate your interest in what I’m working on, and I hope you find these updates informative. Please call or email my office with any feedback or concerns and, if you’re going to be in Olympia, let me know and swing by my office.

Sincerely,