Seattle Mayor Signs Executive Orders Preparing for Potential National Guard Deployment, ICE Actions

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has signed two executive orders to prepare for and counter potential federal actions under President Trump's administration, particularly the deployment of National Guard troops and intensified immigration enforcement in the city. The first order aims to protect local control over law enforcement resources in the event of unilateral troop deployment, establishing a task force to monitor and respond to such federal military presence and ensuring the Seattle Police Department maintains its local law enforcement role. The second order focuses on strengthening protections for immigrant and refugee communities by opposing the use of masked, unmarked federal agents conducting raids and proposing legislation to prevent federal law enforcement operations on city property. Harrell criticized President Trump's strategy as unprecedented and damaging to democratic principles, emphasizing the need to safeguard community trust and rights. These measures reflect ongoing tensions between Seattle's local government and the federal administration's approach to immigration and civil unrest, with officials preparing for actions similar to those already taken in cities like Portland. The mayor's actions underscore a commitment to uphold the city's sanctuary policies and protect its diverse communities from federal overreach.