"Ferguson stands firm against intimidation": Ferguson's response to Bondi's sanctuary policy warning
In a series of events, Washington state has found itself at the centre of a standoff with the federal government over immigration policies. Governor Bob Ferguson has been at the forefront of the state's defense, responding firmly to threats and legally baseless accusations.
The controversy began when the U.S. Department of Justice designated Washington as a sanctuary jurisdiction. This classification primarily stemmed from Washington's limits on local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities, its prioritisation of community trust and public safety over aggressive immigration enforcement, and its adoption of policies that protect undocumented immigrants from deportation efforts.
On Aug. 5, Washington state was included in a list of 12 states by the Trump administration for being in violation of federal immigration law. In response, Governor Ferguson stated that threats would not work, and that Washington state had passed a bipartisan law that appropriately and lawfully limits the diversion of state and local resources to federal immigration enforcement.
This law, known as the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW), was enacted in 2019. The Act allows state and local law enforcement to focus on keeping Washingtonians safe, as Ferguson defended on social media on Aug. 16.
On Aug. 13, Ferguson received a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating that Washington state is in violation of federal law. However, Ferguson remained resolute, stating that Washington state is proud to be a welcoming community that values immigrants' and refugees' contributions to the economy and cultural fabric.
Attorney General Bondi put Washington state on notice by the federal government for being a so-called sanctuary jurisdiction. This designation is given to states, cities, or counties that limit the extent to which local agencies assist in federal immigration enforcement.
Ferguson went on to state that Washington state will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations. On Aug. 19, he issued a formal response to Bondi, reiterating his stance and stating that he is prepared to defend Washington from any litigation Bondi wishes to pursue, and that he will defeat Bondi and seek "all appropriate costs and fees."
Ferguson concluded by stating that Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump Administration that drags us closer to authoritarianism. He vowed to defend democracy, the rule of law, and the people of his state.
President Donald Trump, during his campaign trail and his first several months in office, promised and crackdown on immigration policies. However, Washington state, under the leadership of Governor Ferguson, stands firm in its commitment to maintaining a welcoming and safe community for all its residents.
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