Ambassador Lunch and Learn Events: Legal Issues of the Day
The WSBA Rule of Law Ambassador Program is creating an ongoing series of virtual lunch-and-learn events to educate and equip legal ambassadors to answer questions and be resources in their community about hot topics in the law; our goal is for all legal professionals to be ready to counter mis- and disinformation, to build trust and confidence in the legal system, and to stand ready to uphold the rule of law.
Do you have a recommended topic for a lunch-and-learn event? Email your ideas to ambassadors@wsba.org.
Immigration Enforcement Series
Spring 2026
"Can they do that?” Legal professionals are getting questions—or perhaps they are even wondering themselves—as federal immigration authorities have become more visible, frequent, and forceful presences in local communities. In response, we are creating a three-part series to connect legal ambassadors with experts in areas of law that frequently intersect with immigration enforcement actions. Tune in live to earn free CLE credit. Afterward, we will post a recording of the panel presentation, which will not be eligible for CLE credit but will serve as a continuing resource.
Read the related statement issued by the WSBA President and Executive Director following events in Minneapolis in January 2026
Immigration Enforcement: Search and Seizure — Fourth Amendment Considerations
Noon-1 p.m. Monday, March 30
Panelists:
Scott Alf, AOC Court Services Division
Matt Adams, Northwest Immigration Rights Project
Kristina Campbell, Gonzaga University School of Law
Abbey McMahon, National Lawyers Guild Seattle Chapter
Vanessa Torees Hernandez, ACLU of Washington
Questions and topics to be discussed:
- What does the Fourth Amendment guarantee?
- How does the Fourth Amendment constrain or limit immigration-enforcement actions?
- What must federal authorities possess to enter private property?
- Is something happening now with these processes and/or interpretations of the law that seems unprecedented?
- What happens when federal immigration authorities come to courthouses? What is the AOC’s advice to court leaders?
- Can owners/leaders ban federal immigration authorities from entering places such as stores, businesses, schools, hospitals, and churches?
- What laws or rulings should bystanders be aware of if they want to support immigrant communities before or during an immigrant enforcement action?
- What are Legal Observers, and what should they be aware of and on the lookout for during immigration enforcement actions?
- When and where are observers allowed to capture video or voice recordings? Does that change depending on who is involved (e.g., federal agents)?
- What phone number or resource should legal ambassadors have on hand to be prepared when ICE shows up in their neighborhood?
Are you registered and have a question you don’t see on the list above? Send your topic ahead of time to ambassadors@wsba.org.
Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, April 2
Panelists:
La Rond Baker, ACLU of Washington
Caesar Kalinowski IV, Davis Wright Tremaine
Abbey McMahon, National Lawyers Guild Seattle Chapter
Questions and topics to be discussed:
- What are considered protected protest activities? What activities cross the line?
- Are there different considerations for preplanned protest events versus spontaneous movements?
- When does protest cross the line into obstruction of law-enforcement procedures? Are there special considerations when the officers are part of ICE?
- What should we know about counter-protesters?
- In general, does being part of a public protest action change or restrict a person’s ability to lawfully carry a firearm?
- Does the presence of a firearm justify some kind of heightened response from law-enforcement officers in a protest situation?
- What are legal observers and how can they help their communities protect their rights before and during protests?
- In the moment, what should legal observers be on the lookout for during interactions with protesters/bystanders and ICE agents?
- When and where are observers allowed to capture video or voice recordings in Washington? Does that change depending on who is involved (e.g., federal agents)?
Are you registered and have a question you don’t see on the list above? Send your topic ahead of time to ambassadors@wsba.org.
Immigration Enforcement: When Jurisdictions Collide
Noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Panelists:
David Montes, ACLU of Washington
Elizabeth Porter, University of Washington School of Law
Steve Strachan, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC)
Questions and topics to be discussed:
- What is the situation right now for local law-enforcement officers across the state, and what are the community expectations?
- Historically, how have local law enforcement officers and ICE agents interacted? Is that changing?
- If a person is being attacked, harassed, or followed by an ICE agent, what can they expect from local law-enforcement officers who may be present or who receive a 9-1-1 call?
- Do ICE agents have total immunity?
- How are federal officials held accountable to state and federal laws?
- What happens if there is a conflict between federal laws/processes and local laws/processes?
- What is the effect of signs that prohibit ICE agents from entering private property?
- What are some recent examples by the Washington Legislature to limit or claim oversight of law-enforcement officials, including ICE agents?
- How do lawmakers expect such bills to be enforced?
Are you registered and have a question you don’t see on the list above? Send your topic ahead of time to ambassadors@wsba.org.
