A Democratic-run county at the heart of Washington state is under scrutiny after a whistleblower alleged that more than 100 unqualified immigrants, some with expired visas, were hired as jail guards in violation of state law.
King County's Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), which oversees the jail system for the Seattle metro area, is now the subject of a joint state and local investigation.
According to a complaint filed with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC), the county's correctional leadership knowingly hired individuals who lacked legal work authorization - potentially putting the safety of inmates, staff, and the public at risk.
'Individuals have been hired while holding only temporary work visas, and in some cases, with expired work authorization altogether,' the unnamed whistleblower wrote in a formal complaint.
'These hires are in direct violation of the statutory requirements set forth by state law.'
The whistleblower, identified only as a current King County corrections officer, claimed in a letter to a county council member that the violations have been occurring for 'several years' and remain ongoing.
The warning, first obtained and reported by Jason Rantz on Seattle Red 770 AM, estimates that 'well over 100 corrections officers currently employed by DAJD may fall into this questionable status.'
'Some estimates place the number closer to 130 officers,' the letter continued.
'If the Washington State Criminal...
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