Washington Governor Stands Up for Rights of Undocumented Immigrants
#washington #governor #immigration #keep_washington_working_act
Introduction
Washington's Governor Bob Ferguson has made it clear that the state will not "bend the knee" to the demands of the Trump regime. This statement came in response to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's request for the state to drop its sanctuary policies, which protect undocumented immigrants. In doing so, Gov. Ferguson is standing up for the values of the state and its Keep Washington Working Act, which aims to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Key Details
The Keep Washington Working Act, passed in 2019, prohibits state and local law enforcement from inquiring about an individual's immigration status or cooperating with federal immigration authorities without a court order. It also ensures that immigrants have access to state services, such as healthcare and education. This act has been met with criticism from the Trump administration, but Gov. Ferguson remains steadfast in his defense of the law and the rights of immigrants in the state.
Impact
Gov. Ferguson's refusal to give in to pressure from the U.S. Attorney General sends a strong message about the state's commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals. It also highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal governments over immigration policies. This stand has not only gained support from Washington residents, but also from other states with similar sanctuary policies. It sets an example for other states to stand
About the People Mentioned
Pam Bondi
Pam Bondi is an American lawyer and politician who currently serves as the 87th Attorney General of the United States, having been sworn in on February 5, 2025. A fourth-generation Floridian from Tampa, Bondi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. She spent more than 18 years as a prosecutor in Hillsborough County, handling cases ranging from domestic violence to capital murder. Bondi was elected Florida’s 37th Attorney General in 2010, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She served two terms from 2011 to 2019, during which she gained national recognition for her efforts to combat human trafficking, opioid addiction, and fraud. In her first legislative session, she led reforms that shut down 98 unscrupulous clinics contributing to the opioid crisis. She also chaired the Florida Statewide Human Trafficking Council and was appointed to President Trump’s Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. Bondi played a prominent role in multistate lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and led a legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act. She was a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, joining the White House Counsel’s Office in 2019 and serving on the legal defense team during Trump’s first impeachment trial. After leaving public office, she became a partner at the lobbying firm Ballard Partners and held leadership roles at the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Attorney General following the withdrawal of his initial nominee, and she was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025. Her career has been marked by a focus on criminal justice reform, public safety, and conservative legal advocacy.
