As of June 2024, Washington state has 16,751 National Guard members and reservists, with a total military presence of 105,924 including active personnel and DoD civilians. The National Guard can act under both state and federal orders, which raises concerns about its potential use to control protests or enforce strict immigration policies under the Trump administration. In response, House Bill 1321 has been introduced to protect against deployment of out-of-state National Guards for federal actions not supported by Washington lawmakers. The state’s military footprint exceeds that of many traditional military strongholds.
The National Guard's unique structure allows for dual state and federal service, making it instrumental in responding to national disasters and overseas missions.
Fear surrounds the potential use of the National Guard by the Trump administration to suppress protests or enforce controversial immigration laws.
Washington's legislature introduced House Bill 1321 to prevent other states' National Guard deployments for federal actions deemed unsuitable by local lawmakers.
Washington state ranks higher in military presence compared to traditional military hubs like Washington, D.C. and Texas, housing over 105,924 military personnel.
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