‘This ends now’: AG Bondi threatens PNW leaders over sanctuary jurisdictions

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multiple leaders from Oregon and Washington received letters from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Aug. 14 after she called out the sanctuary jurisdictions on X.

The letter demands that sanctuary cities and states comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts, and gives them until Aug. 19 to respond with their agreement.

“Any sanctuary jurisdiction that continues to put illegal aliens ahead of American citizens can either come to the table or see us in court,” Bondi said. The social media post also included a copy of the same letter sent to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in
sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of
the interests of the United States. This ends now. By Tuesday, August 19, 2025, please submit a response to this letter that confirms your commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement,” the letter said.

The U.S. Department of Justice named Portland, Oregon and Washington on its list of sanctuary jurisdictions released Aug. 5.

The states and cities listed have come under fire for having regulations that prohibit local officials from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

“I will share a more detailed response to AG Bondi on Tuesday. That said, Washington state has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration,” Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said in a statement.

“The federal government’s relentless targeting of law-abiding immigrants is wrong. The Keep Washington Working Act is an important law that helps protect Washington families in the face of this assault. The Keep Washington Working Act requires our state and local law enforcement to focus on keeping Washingtonians safe, rather than allowing limited resources to be used for federal immigration enforcement. Protecting hardworking Washingtonians who are abiding by our state laws and keeping families together reflect our values as a state.”

“I will fight for the safety and prosperity of every Oregonian, from recent immigrants to people who have been here for generations,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek in a statement. “Threats like this undermine our values and our right to govern ourselves. We will not be bullied into doing the federal government’s job of immigration enforcement.”

A spokesperson for the City of Portland and Mayor Keith Wilson declined to provide a comment.

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell condemned Bondi’s letter in an email to KOIN 6.

“Once again, the Trump Administration continues to target ‘sanctuary cities’ and perpetuate a narrative about our communities and laws that are furthest from the truth. Immigration enforcement is the exclusive responsibility of the federal government. The City neither interferes with nor carries out those federal duties.

“We have received and are reviewing the latest letter from Attorney General Bondi and strongly disagree with its assertions. Our laws and policies protect the safety, privacy and constitutional rights of all Seattle residents while remaining compliant with applicable law. 

“We remain committed to our local values, including being a welcoming city for all. We will continue to defend our residents and our rights — and we will not hesitate to do so in court.”