Local leaders comment on appellate court immigration-ban ruling

February 9, 2017 1:30 am
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Reporter file photo
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Reporter file photo

The United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, comprised of three judges, unanimously affirmed a lower court’s ruling which blocks President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on immigration.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who represented Bothell, Kenmore and parts of Kirkland on the King County Council, brought the suit.

The ruling is expected to be appealed to the United State Supreme Court.

Here are some statements from local officials on the ruling:

Ferguson

“No one is above the law, not even the President. The President should withdraw this flawed, rushed and dangerous Executive Order, which caused chaos across the country. If he refuses, I will continue our work to hold him accountable to the Constitution.”

Gov. Jay Inslee

King County Executive Dow Constantine

“The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to affirm U.S. District Judge Robart’s temporary suspension of the president’s ill-conceived ban on Muslim immigration is another set back for this Administration, and another win for the U.S. Constitution.

“The legal fight will likely continue to the U.S. Supreme Court, but today’s ruling heartens all who believe in the rule of law. The actions by this president run counter to our community’s core values: compassion, opportunity, and equity. We will not rest until this wrong-headed executive action is permanently reversed.”

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell

“I am glad the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals thinks Washington state got it right. Thanks to the Washington state Attorney General, Washington state businesses and all involved in the U.S. District Court case, these important Constitutional issues will be addressed. And in the meantime, travel will continue and families can be reunited.”

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray

“This ruling is a victory for the millions of us in Washington state and across the country who have stood up and made it clear that this ban is hateful, unconstitutional, and in no way reflects our nation’s values. I am so proud that Washington state has taken the lead in fighting back against President Trump’s ban on Muslim immigrants and refugees, and I want to thank Solicitor General Purcell, Attorney General Ferguson, and Governor Inslee for their work representing our families and communities and fighting on our behalf.

“Soon after President Trump announced this ban, I went to Sea-Tac airport to meet with the family of somebody who was turned away from our country. I saw the chaos, confusion, and fear this ban created across our state and country. I heard from so many people whose family and friends were impacted. And today, my thoughts are with the refugees and immigrants, and their families and communities, who have now seen that our people and our courts stand with them.

“The case is not yet over, but I am confident that Washington state will continue to prevail. And I am hopeful that President Trump will finally learn that we are a nation of laws, a nation that welcomes immigrants, and a nation that can protect itself without compromising our values—and rescind this ban immediately.”