WA in Trump’s crosshairs as administration compiles list of sanctuary states, cities
Apr 29, 2025, 9:52 AM
David J. Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Michael Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams testify during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on sanctuary cities' policies at the U.S. Capitol on March 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Kayla Bartkowski, Getty Images)
(Photo: Kayla Bartkowski, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that intends to crack down on “sanctuary cities and states.”
The executive order states his administration has 30 days to publish a list of sanctuary states and cities throughout the U.S. Washington is a sanctuary state, with Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham, and Spokane all operating as sanctuary cities.
While there is no exact definition for a sanctuary city or state, the blanket term is applied to jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, according to the National Conference of State Legislators, including failing to provide information regarding immigration status.
“You can sit aside and watch. You can argue against us all you want. Protest all you want,” Tom Homan, acting director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said. “But when you cross that line, and I’ve said this a thousand times, when you cross that line to impediment or knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, you will be prosecuted.”
In addition to Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont are considered sanctuary states. Although not a state, the District of Columbia is also considered a sanctuary jurisdiction.
What happens once the list of sanctuary states is completed?
RELATED STORIES
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said sanctuary cities are taking actions that interfere with federal immigration enforcement.
The executive order states that, once a list of “verified” sanctuary states and cities is turned in, the Trump Administration will notify those jurisdictions that they need to cooperate with the president’s immigration policy. If they don’t comply, the federal government would explore options to sue the state or city, alongside cutting off federal funding.
Governor Bob Ferguson responded by claiming he’s not going to allow the federal government to cut any funding—especially money intended for Medicaid, education, and services for children.
“We’ll stand up for your rights,” Ferguson said. “We’ll protect your freedom. That’s central to who we are, and we’ll continue doing that.”
Approximately 28% of Washington’s budget comes from federal funding.
Trump’s actions impacted legislative session
This potential retaliation has been on Ferguson’s mind since he was elected governor.
Last week, Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill that blocks out-of-state military forces from entering Washington without the governor’s approval. For example, National Guard troops could not enter Washington unless Ferguson signed off on it.
“We welcome collaboration with National Guard forces when warranted, but only with our permission,” Ferguson said. “We cannot have armed forces come into our state to enforce policies that are against our core values.”
The president can still override this decision, further complicating the process.
Contributing: Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio
Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here
