WA will not be bullied or intimidated, Ferguson tells Bondi

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson challenged U. S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's threats to withhold federal funding and prosecute local officials over noncompliance with immigration enforcement. Bondi's letter accused sanctuary jurisdictions of obstructing federal law and warned of potential legal consequences for officials. Ferguson emphasized that Washington would not be intimidated, labeling Bondi's accusations as legally baseless and disgraceful.

During a press conference with over four dozen state leaders, he reaffirmed Washington's welcoming stance toward immigrants while adhering to federal laws. The state's Keep Washington Working Act, passed in 2019, restricts information sharing between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. This law has faced scrutiny, particularly following a lawsuit against an eastern Washington county for alleged cooperation with federal agents. Ferguson's response underscores the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement amid the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies. The conflict reflects broader issues of state versus federal authority in immigration matters.