OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Bob Ferguson responded to a federal court’s decision that President Donald Trump illegally deployed the California National Guard without the governor’s approval.
“Not surprisingly, a Federal court ruled today that Trump illegally federalized the National Guard in California without the approval of the Governor,” Ferguson stated. “Once again, our court system is keeping Trump’s authoritarian overreach in check.”
Despite the ruling, a U.S. appeals court permitted Trump to continue deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles during protests related to immigration enforcement. This decision temporarily pauses a lower court ruling that blocked the mobilization.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision maintains the president’s command of the Guard, although the court has not yet reached a final decision on the matter.
Governor Ferguson emphasized that Washington State is prepared to handle protests with local law enforcement, should a similar situation arise.
