Washington State Defies Federal Immigration Demands Amid Escalating Tensions

Tensions are escalating between the federal government and so-called “sanctuary jurisdictions,” including Washington state, following strong demands from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for states to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Last week, Bondi dispatched letters to seven governors and numerous mayors, among them Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, asserting the need for compliance.

Bondi has hinted at severe repercussions, including potential lawsuits, a review of federal law enforcement funding, and even criminal charges for officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Governor Ferguson swiftly retaliated with a sharp letter on Tuesday, emphasizing, “In the America I love and have taught my children to revere, we resolve our differences peacefully through public discourse and, if necessary, through the courts, not by threatening political opponents with imprisonment.”

A Washington state law, enacted during President Donald Trump’s previous term, largely restricts local police from inquiring about citizenship status and limits federal immigration authorities’ access to local jails and state prisons. State Senator Lisa Wellman, a Democrat representing Mercer Island and sponsor of the “Keep Washington Working Act,” reiterated at a Tuesday press conference that local law enforcement should prioritize local laws, leaving federal priorities to the federal government. Wellman stated, “Do your damn job, and leave us the hell alone.”

When contacted for comment, a Department of Justice spokesperson referred to a Monday FOX Business interview where Attorney General Bondi discussed potential federal funding cuts and the deployment of the National Guard.

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