Officials in Washington state are taking a firm stance in response to a recent letter from the federal government, which called for an end to the state’s sanctuary jurisdiction policies. These local laws prevent police departments from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a warning to Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on August 13, stating, “You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement. This ends now.”
In reaction to the federal ultimatum, Governor Ferguson took to Facebook, asserting that “Washington has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration.” This statement underscores the state's commitment to its current immigration policies and its resistance to federal pressure.
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown described the letter as an intimidation tactic lacking a sound legal basis. Speaking to KUOW, he stated, “I just think the threats from the Department of Justice and from the Trump administration are fairly hollow when it comes to the actual law.” Despite his criticism, he acknowledged the weight of the letter, emphasizing, “I need to take it seriously.”
The Keep Washington Working Act is a crucial piece of legislation that limits how local law enforcement can interact with federal immigration authorities. Recently, both Adams County’s sheriff and Snohomish County prosecutors have faced legal challenges for sharing inmate information and immigration status with federal agents, and for holding individuals in local jails solely based on their immigration status.
The federal letter included vague threats regarding the potential cutting of federal law enforcement funding to Washington state. This tactic was previously employed by Trump during his first term, albeit with limited success. Attorney General Brown expressed concern, stating, “I expect the feds to try and cut federal law enforcement grants again.” He labeled the situation as “absurd” and “sad,” noting that many law enforcement agencies in Washington rely on federal assistance for their operations.
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, a recently elected conservative with a history of controversial online posts, has also expressed his frustration with the state’s immigration laws. He visited Washington D.C. to seek federal intervention, claiming, “I’ve been waiting for the US Attorney General to give us a hand here.” Sheriff Swank is currently involved in litigation with his county prosecutor regarding the state’s immigration policies and has expressed eagerness for federal warrants to be issued, stating, “I’m going to have to dust off and oil up my cuffs.”
The ongoing conflict between Washington state officials and the federal government highlights the contentious nature of immigration policy in the United States, showcasing the diverging approaches to law enforcement and community safety.
