OLYMPIA—In a press conference held on Tuesday, August 19, Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson (D) addressed a cease and desist letter from United States Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the state’s sanctuary policies.
Governor Ferguson, accompanied by elected officials and community members, voiced strong opposition to what he characterized as efforts to intimidate Washington State into complying with federal immigration enforcement.
“Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations,” Governor Ferguson stated at the press conference. “In the America that I love, we resolve our differences peacefully through public discourse and, if necessary, through the courts, not by threatening political opponents with imprisonment.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) had cited Executive Order 14287, which President Donald J. Trump signed on April 28, 2025, as the foundation for its demands.
The legislation under scrutiny is the Keep Washington Workers Act (KWWA), which Washington State passed during the 2019 Legislative Session. This law is designed to ensure that the state remains a place where the rights and dignity of all residents are respected.
The KWWA (RCW 43.17.425) includes several provisions:
1. It prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting in federal civil immigration enforcement.
2. It bans the holding of individuals solely based on their immigration status.
3. It restricts sharing of nonpublic personal information with federal immigration authorities.
4. It limits interviewing or detaining individuals based solely on immigration status, except in specific public safety scenarios.
Bondi’s letter to Governor Ferguson expressly identifies Washington State as a jurisdiction with sanctuary policies that impede federal immigration efforts. The letter demanded a response by August 19, 2025, committing the state to comply with federal law and proposing immediate initiatives to amend laws that hinder federal enforcement.
In his official response to Bondi, Ferguson labeled the DOJ’s letter as an embarrassment to the office of the United States Attorney General.
“Washington State is proud to be a welcoming community that values immigrants’ and refugees’ contributions to our economy and cultural fabric,” he wrote. He emphasized that the state complies with applicable federal laws and criticized Bondi for failing to articulate specific conflicts between Washington State’s policies and federal law.
Ferguson also indicated that he is prepared to defend Washington against any legal actions pursued by the federal government, asserting that the state will not compromise its values or yield to the Trump Administration.
“Day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism,” Ferguson stated, affirming his commitment to uphold democracy and the rule of law.
Previously, Ferguson had a well-documented history of legal opposition to the Trump administration, having engaged in litigation 99 times, winning 55 of those cases and losing only 2.
During the press conference, Ferguson remarked that Bondi’s letter failed to detail how Washington State was classified as a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ or specify which federal laws were allegedly violated. He expressed concern over accusations of “federal obstruction, conspiracy, and harboring statutes” that could carry significant criminal penalties.
Joining Governor Ferguson at the podium were key figures including State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, as well as various community representatives and local leaders.
State Senator Lisa Wellman (D41-Mercer Island), who was the primary sponsor of the Keep Washington Working Act, expressed skepticism regarding the potential impact of ICE raids on forthcoming international events, such as the FIFA World Cup, over the United States’ positioning on travel advisories.
Representative Julio Cortes (D32-Everett), Vice Chair of the Latino Democratic Caucus, supported the governor’s stance, emphasizing Washington State’s commitment to creating safe and welcoming communities. Cortes described this ethos as the “Washington Promise,” underlining that the state aims to ensure safety for all its residents, regardless of their background.
“It’s a promise that anyone, no matter where they come from, can live and contribute in our state without the fear of being torn away from their family, or targeted because of who they are,” said Cortes, accentuating that immigrants play crucial roles in the local economy.
Cortes added, “Our immigrant community are at the heart of our economy and culture. They are the small business owners that keep our communities thriving, they are the farm workers, just like my family was and I was, who put food on our tables, they are the engineers, the teachers, the health care workers that power our state forward.”
Both Cortes and Ferguson voiced a resolute commitment to resisting federal intimidation tactics, stressing the importance of treating neighbors with respect and dignity.
While addressing questions from the media, Ferguson noted that he could not predict whether the U.S. Attorney General’s office would pursue criminal charges against him or state officials but reiterated his preparedness for any actions taken by the Trump administration.
Independent Journalist Brandi Kruse posed a difficult question about how Washington’s sanctuary laws align with its values, especially in light of cases such as that of Raul Benitez-Santana, who was involved in the tragic death of a Washington State Trooper in May 2024. Kruse queried whether stricter enforcement could have prevented such incidents.
In response, Ferguson emphasized the state’s commitment to holding criminals accountable in accordance with the law, regardless of immigration status, asserting that this approach aligns with Washington State’s core values.
On a previous occasion, during a February event with Attorney General Nick Brown, Governor Ferguson reaffirmed that state and local resources would not be utilized in the Trump administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants. He characterized the Keep Washington Working Act as not only economically advantageous for the state but also beneficial for public safety.
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) echoed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting the critical need for state resources to address violent crime rather than extending involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
“Washington law prioritizes public safety and provides due process,” Cantwell stated, urging the Trump administration to refrain from threatening states and instead focus on upholding the Constitution.
Ferguson had previously criticized the Trump administration’s portrayal of all undocumented immigrants as criminal offenders, clarifying his stance that while serious crimes should warrant additional immigration enforcement resources, most undocumented residents contribute positively to society.
In a poignant conclusion to the press conference, Governor Ferguson recounted a touching story from his time as Attorney General during President Trump’s initial term when his daughter questioned him about the implications of challenging a president.
Ferguson had reassured her that speaking out against the government was a hallmark of democracy. However, he concluded by expressing concern that the current atmosphere in the country raises doubts about that very principle.
Washington State’s firm resolve, as demonstrated in this recent confrontation with federal authorities, reflects a broader commitment to uphold the values of inclusivity and community strength in the face of external pressures.
image source from：lynnwoodtimes
