Formal complaints have been filed with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the WA Attorney General, DOJ, media and civil rights groups to demand justice. Please add your voice as support!

WHAT HAPPENED?
June 26–27, 2025 a disabled, transgender community member attempted to be admitted to St. Joe's hospital with the help of two advocates and Community Medics. What happened that day is they were taken into custody at Whatcom County Jail during a medical and psychiatric crisis. Instead of receiving the care they desperately needed and requested, the were subjected to police violence instead:

• Assaulted multiple times and physically restraint while having a seizure before officers even knew their name or why they were there.
• Fully restrained and cuffed to a grate used as a toilet in Cell 127 for hours. They were not allowed a phone call until after 9pm.
• Open wounds exposed to urine/feces by officers, denied ability to wash hands afterwards in a cell with no sink.
• Denied a phone call, sanitation, and shoes.
• No medical check or mental health support—jail staff repeatedly denied requests for emergency medical care, mental health were called after the assault and restraint and said: “Just obey—they’re not trained for mental health,” then clocked out, and left the building in an attempt to avoid accountability. 

A formal complaint has been filed with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the WA Attorney General, DOJ, media and civil rights groups to demand justice.

THIS ISN’T JUST ONE CASE
A Trans woman is currently being in solitary confinement in Whatcom County Jail as well. She has been there for over 4 years—without trial.

This is a pattern of systemic abuse targeting trans people, disabled people, and people living with mental health diagnosis in Whatcom County.

WE DEMAND

• A full investigation into jail staff, deputies, and jail conditions
• A full investigation into Cell 127 and the use of solitary confinement for trans individuals
• Public accountability and access to bodycam/jail footage, and all requested records
• Justice for those mentioned and others who come forward

HOW YOU CAN HELP: USE YOUR VOICE!
Call:
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office: 360‑778‑6600  
Whatcom County Council Office: 360-778-5010
Office of the Corrections Ombuds hotlines: 844‑395‑7488 or 360‑664‑4749
WA Attorney General - Civil Rights Division: 800‑551‑4636
WA Human Rights Commission: 800‑233‑3247
WA U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Rights Division: (206) 553-7970
Disability Rights Washington: 800-562-2702

Email: professionalstandards@co.whatcom.wa.us, SheriffComplaint@co.whatcom.wa.us, hrc@hum.wa.gov, USAWAW.Civil-Rights@usdoj.gov, hrc@hum.wa.gov, info@dr-wa.org, council@co.whatcom.wa.us

File a complaint with the ACLU

Demand action with your own story or use this call script:
“I support a full investigation into the abuse of the trans and disabled individual in cell 127 on June 26-27th and the trans woman currently being held in solitary confinement for 4 years without a trial. Please investigate the conditions trans and disabled people face in Whatcom County Jail.”

ATTEND Next County Council meeting is: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
In-Person:
5:30pm doors, 6pm meeting start time
311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 
Online:
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3415/Participate-in-Council-Meetings
Register by 4pm on meeting day if you wish to speak

Follow & amplify on social media:
#NoPrideinBellingham
#InvestigateWhatcomCountyJail 
#bellinghampride2025
#TransRightsAreHumanRights  
#DisabilityJustice

Stop police violence and institutional discrimination against Trans people in Bellingham now!

Show your pride this weekend by advocating for Trans justice in Whatcom County! Cis, Straight, Trans, Queer, we need everyone to speak up! 

Thank you for all your help and support.