State Senator Manka Dhingra (D-Kirkland) and Representatives Vandana Slatter ( D-Bellevue) and Mike Pellicciotti  (D-Federal Way) reacted to Governor Inslee and AG Ferguson’s announcement Thursday that Washington will sue the Trump Administration for the effects of its “zero-tolerance” immigration policy.  The three lawmakers attended the press conference in SeaTac on Thursday to demonstrate support for the action and reiterated that support, condemnation of the immigration policy, and called for families to be reunited in statements to the Washington State Wire.

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Senator Dhingra:

“We know that many of these parents came here fleeing violence or persecution and seeking safe refuge. And we know that this inhumane policy is intended to harm families and terrorize people. But America has always been a place where we value family; we value relationships; we value each other; and we value love. These are our shared American values. We must uphold these values and the basic rights of each and every human being.”

Representative Slatter:

 “As a parent, immigrant, and woman of color, I was proud to join Attorney General Ferguson [on Thursday] with community leaders from across our state sending the clear message that this is not our America.

I share the outrage of countless Washingtonians who are sickened and saddened by Trump’s policy of forced family separation.

Many have felt helpless, but today we stand united and are leading the charge in the fight for families, and for the values this great country was founded on.

I believe it is this type of courageous leadership and determined, collective action that will yield justice.”

Said Representative Pellicciotti:

“My constituents are in shock that mothers separated from their children were detained here in South King County in an effort to punish them for seeking asylum. These families seeking asylum must be reunited, and I hope this lawsuit accomplishes that.”

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