The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it has formally designated Washington as a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” claiming its state laws hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Washington is now among 13 states deemed a “sanctuary jurisdiction,” alongside California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The City of Seattle was also designated as a “sanctuary city.” Eighteen cities have received this designation.

“These designations were made after a thorough review of documented laws, ordinances, and executive directives by the listed jurisdictions,” the DOJ stated. “This initial list of designated Sanctuary Jurisdictions will be reviewed regularly, to include additional jurisdictions and

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