In an assertive display of unity, the Members of Color Caucus stood shoulder to shoulder with Governor Bob Ferguson, contesting harsh letters from U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi. The letters, which repetitively targeted Washington's elected officials, warned of potential criminal charges over state immigration policies in conflict with federal mandates, citing President Donald Trump's executive orders. "Washington state will not be bullied," proclaimed Rep. Julio Cortes, an immigrant himself, determined to shield the rights of those who call this state home. "We will not be intimidated. We will not allow fear to dictate the way we treat our neighbors," as reported by the House Democrats of Washington State.
Rep. Cortes, who has known Washington as his home since age 5, further cemented his stance, reaching out to immigrants with a candid, "You belong here." The press conference was not short of supportive voices, with Reps. Mia Gregerson, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Jamila Taylor, and Speaker Pro Tem Chris Stearns backing their colleague. Stearns asserted that leveraging threats of imprisonment against state lawmakers was a strike against the very foundations of democracy. "We’re not backing down," he told the House Democrats, "from standing for who we are: a democracy which is rooted in equality, freedom from oppression, and the right to liberty."
Reflecting Washington's values, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, concurred with her colleagues that the state is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and fairness, charging Bondi's approach as ill-conceived. "Pam Bondi is wrong. The overwhelming majority of immigrants in our state abide by the law, are hardworking, help our economy grow, and pay taxes. Washington remains—and will continue to be—a beacon of inclusion and fairness. We are committed to protecting all our residents because when everyone is valued and secure, our state not only endures—it flourishes. Pam Bondi wants fear. Washington state wants fairness," Ortiz-Self delineated to the House Democrats.
