This browser does not support the Video element.
Ferguson, Brown address how WA is preparing for any possible ICE activity
Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown spoke at the state Capitol on Monday, Jan. 26 to address a federal memo authorizing ICE agents to enter homes without judicial warrants.
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown spoke at the state Capitol Monday to address how the state is preparing for any possible ICE activity.
What they're saying:
Ferguson and Brown penned a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Jan. 26. On social media, Ferguson wrote:
"Secretary Noem, your administration now openly authorizes ICE agents to forcibly enter people's homes without a judicial warrant.
"That is blatantly unconstitutional – ICE cannot authorize itself to break into people’s homes.
"If ICE attempts such unconstitutional measures in Washington, our state will consider all legal options to hold the U.S. government and individual ICE agents accountable.
"Proud to join with Attorney General Nick Brown @AGOWA on this letter as we prepare to protect our state."
The backstory:
The briefing comes after heightening tensions between state and federal authorities following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti on Saturday morning. Pretti, an ICU nurse from Minneapolis, was killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents in an incident that has sparked renewed scrutiny of federal tactics.
State leaders outlined Washington’s preparation for increased enforcement activity and discuss pending legislation designed to protect residents.
The shooting of Pretti marks the third time this year that federal agents have been involved in a shooting. It follows the Jan. 7 death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
What's next:
In Seattle, community members plan to gather for a silent vigil at Harborview Park, located at Harborview Medical Center. The event is scheduled to run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. organizers have encouraged attendees to bring candles and flowers to honor those affected by the recent violence.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Office of Gov. Bob Ferguson and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Trump announces federal funding cuts for sanctuary cities and states, including WA
WSDOT estimates $40-50 million to repair Washington roads after historic flooding
Thurston County death investigation upgraded to homicide, suspect in custody
Gov. Ferguson calls for millionaires’ tax in State of the State address
Report reveals which Costco items can pay for the annual membership
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.