Seattle lands on federal sanctuary city list amid growing pressure by Trump administration
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The Trump administration has put Seattle, King County and Washington state on notice, including them on a list of 500 so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that it accuses of obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters: President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from state and local jurisdictions that don't fall in line.
The big picture: The list released Thursday is the latest pressure tactic on jurisdictions the administration claims are defying federal law by, among other things, limiting information-sharing with immigration authorities or enacting legal protections for undocumented immigrants.
- The list also includes major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland.
Zoom in: In Washington, a total of 35 counties and five cities — Everett, Olympia, Tacoma, Yakima and Seattle — were among those named on the list published by the Department of Homeland Security.
Between the lines: The term "sanctuary jurisdiction" lacks a specific legal definition, often referring to areas that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- A Washington state law passed in 2019 largely prevents local police from assisting federal immigration authorities, while Seattle passed its own ordinance in 2003 restricting city police officers from asking about people's immigration status.
What they're saying: "These sanctuary city politicians are endangering Americans and our law enforcement in order to protect violent criminal illegal aliens," DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a news release.
The other side: U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Seattle) said Friday that local governments "should not let themselves be bullied."
- "This is just the latest unlawful attempt by the Trump administration to coerce states and localities like Washington state into enforcing its chaotic and harmful immigration policies," Jayapal said in a written statement.
- Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a prepared statement Friday calling the administration's move part of a pattern of "bluster and threats" that he said target "critical federal funding for public safety and homelessness."
Catch up quick: In April, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to document sanctuary cities that are not complying with his immigration agenda.
- Seattle joined more than a dozen cities and counties in a lawsuit that same month challenging the administration's efforts to withhold funding from jurisdictions that do not cooperate with the administration's crackdown on immigrants.
- Meanwhile, Washington and 19 other states this month filed two separate lawsuits over the Trump administration's threats to withhold federal funding from states that do not assist with federal immigration enforcement.
What's next: DHS is demanding that jurisdictions on the list "immediately review and revise their policies."
- Harrell said in his statement that Seattle will continue fighting in court against the Trump administration's threatened funding cuts.
- "The law is on our side — and we will not hesitate to protect our people and stand up for our values," the mayor said.