The Yakima Municipal Court operates independently and is required to administer its proceedings in accordance with applicable law, court rules and judicial responsibilities. Enforcement of federal immigration law is the responsibility of federal authorities. The Yakima Municipal Court is neither responsible for enforcing federal immigration law nor for interfering with its enforcement. The Court remains focused on its independent judicial responsibilities under state law.

The Yakima Municipal Court follows Criminal Rule for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction 3.4 (CrRLJ 3.4) and applicable local court rules to determine whether a defendant’s appearance in court is mandatory. Under state law, the Yakima Municipal Court cannot inquire into a person’s immigration status. Furthermore, the Court does not consider a person’s immigration status when evaluating requests for remote appearances.

Courts, including the Yakima Municipal Court, are subject to significant public scrutiny and accurate information about court procedures is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judicial system. The Yakima Municipal Court remains committed to the fair, impartial, and consistent administration of justice for all individuals appearing before it.