Washington, Boston, Other Cities Reject Federal Sanctuary Policy Demands

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and other Democratic leaders, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, have firmly rejected the Trump administration's ultimatum to end sanctuary city policies by August 19 or risk losing federal funding. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued this directive, threatening legal action and financial penalties against jurisdictions, such as Washington state, Seattle, Boston, and others, that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Ferguson cited the Keep Washington Working Act as a key law protecting immigrants and emphasized Washington's commitment to its values despite federal threats. Boston's Mayor Wu criticized the Trump administration for causing fear and harm in immigrant communities and asserted Boston's adherence to the law, while Harrell emphasized that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and disputed Bondi's assertions. The Justice Department's actions reflect a broader, aggressive federal campaign against sanctuary policies, targeting multiple cities and states to compel compliance, highlighting significant political and legal tensions between federal and local governments. Sanctuary jurisdictions argue their policies promote community trust and public safety, contrasting with the administration's position that such policies impede law enforcement and put citizens at risk.