Seattle, WA – A recent federal Executive Order (EO) signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 24, 2025, has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws concerning public drug use, urban camping, and loitering in cities like Seattle. The order prioritizes federal grants for states and municipalities that actively enforce such prohibitions, aiming to "restore order to American cities and remove vagrant individuals from our streets." This development has been highlighted by local advocacy group We Heart Seattle, which urged Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to leverage the new federal directive.
We Heart Seattle, a non-profit organization founded in 2020 by Andrea Suarez, took to social media to emphasize the significance of the EO. In a tweet, the group stated, > "It’s really easy @MayorofSeattle Enforce the laws." The tweet specifically cited the EO's provision requiring federal agencies to “prioritize grants for states and municipalities that enforce prohibitions on open illicit drug use, urban camping and loitering, and urban squatting.” We Heart Seattle advocates for lawful intervention to address "street chaos and suffering," asserting that this is what "everyone wants handled."
The organization’s message also referenced "Ricky’s Law," a Washington State statute championed by State Representative Lauren Davis and passed by Democrats in 2016, taking effect in April 2018. Ricky's Law allows for the involuntary commitment of individuals struggling with life-threatening substance use disorder, providing a legal framework for intervention when addiction poses a severe risk to an individual's life. The tweet urged, "More on Ricky’s Law championed and passed by Lauren Davis and the Dems in 2018. Thank you and so let’s enforce it."
Mayor Harrell's office has previously outlined a "One Seattle Homelessness Action Plan," focusing on both compassion and urgency, claiming an 80% reduction in tent encampments and a decline in fatal overdoses in Seattle since 2022. However, the city continues to grapple with visible homelessness and drug use, prompting ongoing debate between harm reduction and enforcement-oriented approaches. We Heart Seattle, known for its direct outreach, cleanup efforts, and connecting individuals with services, has also faced criticism for its tactics, including documenting individuals experiencing homelessness without consent.
The federal EO signals a shift in federal funding priorities, potentially incentivizing cities to adopt more stringent enforcement measures. This aligns with We Heart Seattle's long-standing advocacy for a cleaner and safer urban environment through the enforcement of existing laws, including those related to substance abuse and public order. The interplay between federal policy, state laws like Ricky's Law, and local enforcement strategies will continue to shape Seattle's response to its ongoing challenges.