OLYMPIA—Rep. Julio Cortes (D-Everett) spoke at Gov. Bob Ferguson’s press conference to protest letters sent by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi threatening the governor, the mayor of Seattle, and other officials with possible criminal prosecution.
The boilerplate letter—with only the names changed—referenced federal immigration laws and executive orders by President Donald Trump.
“Washington state will not be bullied,” said Cortes at the press conference. “We will not be intimidated. We will not allow fear to dictate the way we treat our neighbors.”
Cortes is an immigrant who came to Washington state at the age of 5.
“I want to say this to every immigrant in this state,” Cortes said. “You belong here.”
A partial list of other Members of Color Caucus lawmakers attending the press conference includes Rep. Mia Gregerson (D-SeaTac), Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle), Rep. Jamila Taylor (D-Federal Way), and Speaker Pro Tem Chris Stearns (D-Auburn). They were joined by a packed room of community leaders, stakeholders, senators, and other statewide elected officials.
Stearns, chair of the Members of Color Caucus and an attorney, said it’s undemocratic and un-American to threaten state elected officials and lawmakers with prison time for policy disputes.
“We’re not backing down,” Stearns said, “from standing for who we are: a democracy which is rooted in equality, freedom from oppression, and the right to liberty.”
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo) said, “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.”
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