Washington GOP Senators urge WA Governor Ferguson to repeal sanctuary policies after federal warning

Four Republican state senators are pressing Governor Bob Ferguson to reverse Washington’s sanctuary policies after the U.S. Attorney General formally demanded repeal and warned the state could face legal action and the loss of federal funds.

Senators Phil Fortunato (R-Pierce County), Jeff Wilson (R-Longview), Jim McCune (R-Graham), and Leonard Christian (R-Spokane Valley) argue that Washington’s sanctuary law—known as the “Keep Washington Working Act”—undermines public safety and imposes significant financial costs on taxpayers. Passed by Democrats in 2019, the law restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials, prohibiting agencies from notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about illegal immigrants in custody or detaining them for civil immigration violations.

“The federal government has made its position clear. Washington’s sanctuary policies are putting our state at risk, both financially and in terms of public safety,” said Fortunato. “This law ties the hands of law enforcement, shields dangerous criminals, and puts taxpayers at risk.”

According to Fortunato, Washington taxpayers spend more than $21 million each year to incarcerate over 300 illegal felons—many of them convicted murderers and sex offenders. “If the federal government wants them, let them have them. Why should Washington taxpayers shoulder the burden of housing violent criminals who shouldn’t even be here?” he said.

The Republican argument against sanctuary status

The Republicans warn that Ferguson’s refusal to comply with federal law leaves the state vulnerable. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s letter not only identified Washington as a sanctuary jurisdiction but also cautioned that officials who obstruct immigration enforcement could face prosecution.

“By doubling down on these policies, the governor is putting Washington in the federal government’s crosshairs,” McCune said in a statement. “Washingtonians deserve to have their laws enforced and their communities protected.”

Wilson added that law enforcement cooperation with federal partners is essential to combat crime, including sex trafficking and gang activity.

“That cooperation should never fall victim to political battles between the Governor and the President,” he said.

Christian, a U.S. Air Force veteran, framed the issue as a matter of public service: “You don’t protect our country by allowing illegal-alien criminals to have free rein in our communities as this state has done.”

New bill addresses sanctuary status

The senators are backing Senate Bill 5002, sponsored by Fortunato, which would repeal the sanctuary law and restore law enforcement’s ability to coordinate with federal immigration authorities. They are urging Ferguson to roll back executive policies immediately and support passage of the bill in the upcoming legislative session.

“Repealing sanctuary policies isn’t about partisan politics—it’s about protecting our communities and respecting taxpayers,” Fortunato said.

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