OLYMPIA, WA — Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued a response Tuesday to a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that warned state officials could face criminal charges over Washington’s “sanctuary” policies.

According to the governor’s office, Bondi’s letter, received last week, cited unspecified state practices it claimed violate federal immigration law. The letter also cautioned that officials obstructing federal enforcement efforts “may be subject to criminal charges”.

At the state Capitol, Ferguson said Washington would not divert resources away from public safety priorities to support federal immigration actions. “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,” Ferguson stated in his written response.

Several Democratic legislators joined the governor at the event and voiced support for Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, a state law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters argue the measure allows police to focus on community safety and protects immigrant workers who contribute to the state’s economy.

Sen. Lisa Wellman, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, and Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen were among those who spoke in favor of maintaining state policy. Rep. Julio Cortes of Everett and Northwest Immigrant Rights Project Executive Director Malou Chávez also emphasized the law’s role in protecting immigrant communities.