Washington state joins lawsuit over threat of withheld federal funding

Washington has joined a coalition of 20 states in a lawsuit against federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, over threats to withhold federal funding for non-compliance with immigration enforcement. Attorney General Nick Brown asserts that immigration enforcement remains a federal duty, and the state's laws prevent local law enforcement from aiding these efforts. The Keep Washington Working Act, which prohibits such cooperation, is designed to foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. Brown cautions that the federal government's demands could undermine public safety by driving a wedge between these communities and local authorities. Last year, Washington received approximately $1.

6 billion in federal funding for emergency management, wildfire response, and transportation infrastructure improvements. This lawsuit reflects broader tensions between state and federal immigration policies and their implications for local governance. The outcome could influence how states navigate federal mandates regarding immigration. Additionally, the case raises questions about the fiscal implications for states reliant on federal support for essential services.