❓WHAT HAPPENED: Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell (D) signed two executive orders aimed at opposing federal actions and bolstering protections for illegal immigrants.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes, and the Trump administration.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The orders were signed on Tuesday in Seattle, Washington.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We do not need federal troops in Seattle. This dangerous strategy will only sow fear, distrust, and confusion in our communities.” – Bruce Harrell
🎯IMPACT: The orders aim to counter federal actions, strengthen protections for immigrants, and maintain local control over law enforcement.
Seattle’s far-left mayor, Bruce Harrell (D), has joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in implementing likely illegal orders aimed at hindering federal immigration enforcement actions in order to protect illegal immigrants in their cities. Harrell’s first order establishes a task force to prepare for potential federalized National Guard deployments in Seattle and coordinates responses with the governor, state attorney general, and community organizations. Harrell stated the move was necessary due to President Donald J. Trump’s rhetoric about using cities as “training grounds” for the military.
“We do not need federal troops in Seattle,” Harrell said in a statement, adding: “This dangerous strategy will only sow fear, distrust, and confusion in our communities. We cannot be under-prepared at this critical moment.” Critics argue the move reflects Harrell’s soft-on-crime approach, which has been a feature of his tenure since running for re-election.
The second order prohibits federal law enforcement from conducting immigration raids on city property and bans the use of masks by officers, except in limited circumstances. It also mandates visible identification for all officers operating within Seattle. The city plans to draft legislation to enforce these measures while providing funding for legal aid, workforce development, and “Know Your Rights” training for illegal immigrants.
Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Shon Barnes supported the mayor’s stance, stating, “Decisions about Seattle’s safety should be based on facts and community feedback, not political talking points from people who do not live here.” The orders follow multiple lawsuits filed by Seattle against the Trump administration, including challenges to sanctuary city funding cuts and executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. In addition, the city’s 2026 budget proposal allocates $27.6 million to sustain services threatened by potential federal cuts and increases funding for immigrant and refugee programs by 70 percent.
Image via Seattle City Council.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.