Seattle Dem mayor signs EO to block federal immigration enforcement

The first order directs the city to coordinate legal and intergovernmental responses if President Trump attempts to deploy federalized National Guard troops in Seattle. It establishes a task force to prepare for such an event and requires coordination between the city, the governor, the attorney general, and community groups.

Harrell said the move is a response to Trump’s escalating rhetoric about using American cities as “training grounds” for the military. “We do not need federal troops in Seattle,” Harrell said in a statement. “This dangerous strategy will only sow fear, distrust, and confusion in our communities. We cannot be under-prepared at this critical moment.”

The move continues a soft-on-crime approach Harrell has taken since running for re-election.

Last week, during a candidate debate, when asked about prolific offenders being responsible for most of the crime in Seattle, Harrell went viral for saying, “So when this person is committing 6 or 7 crimes, I don’t know their story—maybe they were abused as a child, maybe they're hungry. So my remedy is to find their life story to see how we could help first. I have no desire to put them in jail, but I need to protect you, and that’s the calibration that we have.”

He added that whether someone commits “7 or 8 crimes” is “not the issue.” Instead, he said, the focus should be on health-based strategies and upstream solutions, citing Seattle’s fire department being the first in the country to administer buprenorphine.

In June, Seattle Police stood down as violent radicals attacked the federal building in downtown Seattle, even as independent journalist Cam Higby was assaulted. Critics see the move as trying to bolster his sinking campaign after getting walloped in the primary by attacking President Trump.

The order also reaffirms that the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will remain under local control and will not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations.

The second executive order directs the city to draft legislation prohibiting federal law enforcement from conducting immigration raids on city property and bans the use of masks by law enforcement officers, except in limited circumstances. The legislation would also require visible identification on all officers operating within the city.

The mayor’s office said the order comes in response to “warrantless arrests by masked, unidentifiable officers” under Trump’s immigration crackdown. The order also includes funding and policy measures to support Seattle’s immigrant population, including legal aid, workforce development, and “Know Your Rights” training.

SPD Chief Shon Barnes echoed Harrell’s comments, saying true public safety “is not something that can be achieved by parachuting federal troops into Seattle.”

“Decisions about Seattle’s safety should be based on facts and community feedback, not political talking points from people who do not live here,” Barnes said.

The Harrell administration has already joined or filed multiple lawsuits against the Trump administration, including challenges to funding cuts tied to “sanctuary city” policies and executive orders targeting DEI and so-called “gender-affirming” procedures. The city’s 2026 budget proposal includes $27.6 million to sustain services threatened by potential federal cuts, as well as a 70 percent funding increase for immigrant and refugee programs.

As part of the initiative, Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs will relaunch its Immigrant and Refugee Commission and host a “One Seattle Community Resource Fair” series to connect residents with city services and community organizations.

Harrell said these executive orders send a clear message that “Seattle will remain a Welcoming City,” adding, “We will not allow political intimidation or unlawful federal interference to define who we are."