There is growing concern in blue states that Republican-led states might send National Guard troops into their areas without permission. This situation is linked to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which include plans for mass deportation. Republican governors have expressed their willingness to support President Trump’s goals by sending National Guard troops to assist in deporting immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.
Washington State Takes Action
Washington State Representative Sharlett Mena has raised alarms over this issue. She introduced a bill that would make it illegal for National Guard troops from other states to enter Washington without permission. The bill has already passed a committee and has the support of Washington’s Democratic Governor, Bob Ferguson.
Mena’s concerns are based on maintaining Washington’s independence and the ability to control its own affairs. “Without this bill, there’s nothing stopping other states from taking action on federal laws,” she said. The law aims to protect states from outside interference, especially when it comes to immigration enforcement.
Growing Support for State Protection
The bill is gaining traction in Washington because many worry that other states could follow suit, deploying troops to carry out immigration enforcement. Legal experts, like Joseph Nunn from the Brennan Center for Justice, believe that states resisting Trump’s immigration policies should take steps to safeguard their rights. Washington’s legislation could set a precedent, with other states like Idaho and Montana already having laws that prevent out-of-state troops from entering without permission.
The Issue of Sovereignty
One major concern is the potential for Republican governors to federalize their National Guard units. This would allow the federal government to take control of state troops and use them for national purposes, such as enforcing immigration laws. However, if this happens, the state’s authority would be overridden by federal power.
Despite these concerns, not everyone agrees with Mena’s bill. Republican lawmakers, like State Representative Jim Walsh, argue that the bill is unnecessary and only meant to make a political statement. They believe that Washington should cooperate with federal immigration laws instead of creating laws that block them.
How the National Guard Can Be Used
The National Guard is typically under state control but can be called into federal service during emergencies. Under a federal law called Title 32, the National Guard can be deployed for federal missions if the President requests it. This law has been used in the past to send troops to the border or to suppress protests, like those during the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, experts like William Banks suggest that Washington’s bill might not be necessary if the federal government decides to invoke the Insurrection Act. This law would allow the President to send federal troops into any state without permission. Though it is a drastic measure, it is a possibility in extreme cases.
Protecting State Rights
Washington lawmakers argue that passing this bill would serve as a preventive measure. It would send a clear message that the state is committed to maintaining its sovereignty. Nathan Bays, deputy policy director for Washington’s governor, emphasized that the bill is not meant to harm the National Guard’s readiness but to protect the state from unwanted interference.
Even some Republican lawmakers have criticized the bill as a distraction from more pressing issues, such as public safety and homelessness. They believe the state should focus on solving these problems rather than worrying about hypothetical issues like outside troop deployments.
Looking Ahead
While the fear of out-of-state National Guard troops entering blue states is still a hypothetical issue, the debate is heating up. If the bill passes in Washington, it could inspire other states to introduce similar laws to protect themselves from federal overreach.
As it stands, the National Guard’s role in immigration enforcement remains uncertain, but the actions of states like Washington show a growing concern about state rights and the limits of federal power.
(Source : newsbreak.com)