SEATTLE — Gov. Bob Ferguson said he has canceled his weekend plans to remain in Seattle as protests are expected across Washington state Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and a planned military parade in Washington, D.C.
After issuing a series of warnings earlier in the week, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Friday addressed both President Trump and protesters, criticizing any potential federal deployment of National Guard troops to cities like Seattle or Spokane, calling such a move “unconstitutional.”
“Don’t give Donald Trump an excuse to try to federalize the National Guard here in Washington state like he did in California,” Ferguson said. “Washington will be prepared if Donald Trump attempts a similar stunt in Washington state.”
Ferguson and several local leaders, including Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, issued a joint statement condemning the “illegal activation” of the California National Guard.
At a press conference Friday, Ferguson, Harrell, and Woodards were joined by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, King County Executive Chief of Staff Shannon Braddock, and a local union leader to discuss the weekend’s planned protests and how they are preparing.
“I’m here today with my fellow elected officials and community leaders to ask the people of Washington state to join us in protecting our state by ensuring that demonstrations over the weekend are peaceful,” Ferguson said.
“It is not just a right to express your opinions about your government — in my view, it’s a duty. Speaking out against a chaotic administration that repeatedly violates the law is critical to our democracy. But we must, of course, do so peacefully and lawfully.”
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The planned protests are part of the national “No Kings” movement, timed to coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day. Organizers say the events are intended to push back against what they describe as authoritarianism and federal overreach. Demonstrations are planned in Cal Anderson Park and the University of Washington’s Red Square.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between federal and state officials. Earlier this week, NBC News reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) planned to deploy tactical teams to Seattle, although neither Ferguson nor Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell have confirmed the move. In 2020, Trump threatened to send the National Guard to Seattle during protests in the Capitol Hill Organized Protest zone.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer temporarily blocked Trump’s deployment of more than 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration-related protests. An appeals court blocked the order and is expected to rule on the matter by June 17.
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Washington and California are among a coalition of Democratic-led states that have declared themselves sanctuary jurisdictions, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. On Wednesday, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump’s authority to deploy the Guard without governors’ consent.
“I’ve elevated the number of conversations I’m having with leadership across the state to make sure we’re as prepared as possible,” Ferguson said.
In Seattle, city officials have warned of potential last-minute road closures, and Mayor Harrell has begun coordinating with the Seattle Police Department ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations.
A protest against ICE actions on Wednesday night spanned multiple hours and marched from Cal Anderson to the Federal Building downing. Police dispersed protesters after fireworks set off panic in the crowd and other damage occurred. Police ultimately arrested eight people.
On Saturday, KING 5 will stream live coverage of the local ‘No Kings’ protests at noon and of the military parade in Washington D.C. at 3:30 p.m.
