MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Seattle mayor ‘willing to risk losing every penny’ over ‘sanctuary’ status

Mar 27, 2017, 5:04 PM

sanctuary, Mayor Ed Murray...

My guess: Mayor Murray just got polling results about his last tax-increase proposal. (AP file photo)

(AP file photo)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued an ultimatum for jurisdictions with “sanctuary” status on Monday, warning that sanctuary cities will not receive grants from the Justice Department if they do not follow federal law.

Related: AG Sessions says country ‘less safe’ due to sanctuary cities

If the feds deliver on their promise, Seattle and other cities in King County risk losing millions. But county leaders seem to think the attorney general’s comments are much ado about nothing.

“It’s more empty threats and last week we saw them shaming people, shaming jurisdictions, and now it’s empty promises to the American people and empty threats as well,” said Joe McDermott, King County Council Chair.

McDermott added that the county and city of Seattle are in compliance with immigration policies, even while adopting the ‘sanctuary’ moniker. He said the Trump administration has no ground to pull federal funding.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said Sessions’ comments don’t change the city’s position on” so-called ‘sanctuary cities.'”

“As I’ve said, I’m willing to risk losing every penny of federal funding to stand by our commitment to protect everyone in our community,” the mayor wrote in a press release.

Seattle’s City Attorney Pete Holmes says Sessions’ comments are disappointing, but lack substance.

“I think this is an attempt by the Trump administration to change the subject, to talk about something other than Trumpcare and Russia,” Holmes said.

Holmes said he’s reviewed the executive order and he, too, believes Seattle is in compliance with federal immigration law.

“We are not going to stand idly by and be bullied,” Holmes said. “We are certainly looking at every legal remedy to protect the city’s financial interests, as well as its principles. So stay tuned.”

King County Sheriff John Urquart has told KIRO Radio that his office doesn’t receive a lot of federal funding. But it may have a trickle-down effect.

MyNorthwest News

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

3 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

‘Kia Boys’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

4 hours ago

Spanaway woman shot dead...

Kate Stone

Search for shooter continues after woman shot dead while driving in Spanaway

A 47-year-old woman was shot dead in Spanaway, causing her to hit another driver head-on early Wednesday morning.

5 hours ago

nintendo redmond...

Frank Sumrall

Nintendo to lay off 86 Redmond employees this spring

Nintendo of America is laying off 86 contract workers in Redmond, beginning May 25, due to company reorganization.

6 hours ago

Everett boy missing...

Sam Campbell

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

7 hours ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

16 hours ago

Seattle mayor ‘willing to risk losing every penny’ over ‘sanctuary’ status