Ferguson shared his response to Bondi’s threats at the state Capitol today
OLYMPIA — Joined at the state Capitol by legislators, cabinet members and representatives from numerous organizations, Governor Bob Ferguson responded today to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi which included threats of criminal prosecution of Ferguson and other officials.
In his response letter and in remarks in Olympia today, Governor Ferguson made it clear that Washington will not be bullied or intimidated into redirecting state resources meant to keep Washingtonians safe to aid in President Trump’s cruel federal immigration policies.
Governor Ferguson received Bondi’s letter late last week. It cites unidentified “sanctuary policies and practices” in Washington and asserts, without any analysis, that they violate federal law.
She warns that those “using their official position to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts … may be subject to criminal charges.”
In his strongly worded response letter, Governor Ferguson pushes back. “You seem to believe that cavalierly citing criminal statutes and personally threatening me, a democratically elected governor, will result in compromising the values of my state.”
“Never.”
“This administration’s total disregard of due process shows us all they care about is instilling fear and hurting law-abiding Washingtonians,” said Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, the prime sponsor of the Keep Washington Working Act. “The last thing we’re going to do is compromise our values and help ICE terrorize our communities of color.”
“Pam Bondi is wrong,” said Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, the companion bill sponsor of the Keep Washington Working Act. “The Keep Washington Working Act doesn’t weaken safety, it strengthens it by letting law enforcement focus on real crime. The overwhelming majority of immigrants in our state abide by the law, are hardworking, help our economy grow, and pay taxes. By ensuring Washington’s law enforcement agencies focus on community safety rather than hunting down immigrants, the Keep Washington Working Act is supporting businesses where all employees should work without fear. Immigrants contribute to our thriving agricultural, healthcare, tech, and hospitality sectors. Every day, these dedicated individuals show up to earn their livelihoods and strengthen our communities. Washington remains — and will continue to be — a beacon of inclusion and fairness. We are committed to protecting all our residents because when everyone is valued and secure, our state not only endures — it flourishes. Pam Bondi wants fear. Washington state wants fairness.”
“Washingtonians have a long history of welcoming ALL people to our state,” said Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle. “That will not change. We will protect the safety and security of the families who are living here and following our laws. We will not weaken our state laws or put people at risk to appease this administration and its latest attempt to intimidate us.”
“As a proud Washingtonian and a representative of our diverse community, I stand firmly behind the Keep Washington Working Act. Pam Bondi's letter misrepresents the invaluable contributions of our immigrant neighbors who work tirelessly and boost our economy,” said Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett. “We will continue protecting all our residents because we value fairness, hard work, and the dignity of every person who calls Washington home.”
“When our communities are under attack, it is more important now than ever to ensure we protect immigrant communities and defend against the federal government unlawfully overstepping,” said Malou Chávez, Executive Director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. “But it is also true that we need to work in partnership to improve protections and get ahead of further attacks and further harm. Keep Washington Working is an important protection for our communities and we stand behind it 100 percent. We need to do this for each and every one of our community members who are impacted, for their families and loved ones, for their communities, and for our future as a truly welcoming state.”
Video of Governor Ferguson’s remarks today at the Washington State Capitol are available here: https://tvw.org/video/governor-bob-ferguson-press-conference-2025081069/?eventID=2025081069&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
