**Massachusetts AG Andrea Campbell: State Ready If Trump Deploys National Guard**
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell says the state is prepared in case President Donald Trump deploys the National Guard to the Bay State, while her office is “drafting paperwork” she hopes never needs to be filed against the administration.
Campbell’s comments, delivered on GBH’s Boston Public Radio on Tuesday, mark the firmest stance yet from a Massachusetts official regarding coordination and preparations for a potential National Guard deployment. Trump has previously deployed National Guard units to cities he claims struggle with high crime or are centers of federal immigration activity, despite opposition from many governors and mayors.
> “We are prepared if they were to come,” Campbell said. “Of course, I hope they don’t, because the narrative they’re suggesting is that they would come here to promote public safety, and we are doing just fine. If anything, what we’re seeing in other communities across the country is that they’re eroding public safety and trust between law enforcement and the community. In addition to that, they’re perpetuating fear.”
The Attorney General’s office is coordinating with the National Guard, Governor Maura Healey’s office, the state Legislature, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to formulate a response in case troops are deployed. Campbell also said she’s been in communication with her counterparts in California, Illinois, and Oregon, states where Trump has similarly threatened National Guard deployment.
National Guard deployments continue to face legal challenges. On Monday, courts in Tennessee and West Virginia heard arguments questioning the legality of sending their states’ National Guard troops to patrol the streets of Memphis and Washington, D.C. Since their arrival on October 10, Guard troops have patrolled neighborhoods and commercial areas in Memphis, wearing military police fatigues and protective vests. Officials have noted these Guard members are armed but do not have arrest powers.
West Virginia recently sent up to 300 Guard members to Washington, D.C. to support Trump’s crime-fighting initiatives. Last month, a West Virginia judge asked attorneys to address whether Governor Patrick Morrisey’s deployment was legal.
Since Trump regained office in January, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office has filed 41 complaints against his administration. Campbell made clear that another legal challenge may be coming if Trump attempts to deploy troops in Massachusetts.
> “Any time you file a lawsuit, it takes a lot of human capital resources and work,” Campbell said. “And frankly, you have to be prepared beforehand, so we hope we never have to file anything.”
Governor Healey stated last month that deploying the National Guard to major U.S. cities is a “waste of resources,” although she didn’t elaborate on whether she was coordinating with local officials or preparing an action plan in case of deployment. Congressman Jim McGovern told the Herald last month that he had discussed the possibility of a National Guard deployment with the Healey administration.
Campbell noted that National Guard troops are typically meant to respond to natural disasters or major emergencies, not to address public safety concerns in urban settings.
> “They’re not necessarily trained to show up in the city of Boston,” Campbell said, “or the municipalities here in Massachusetts, to promote public safety, to investigate crimes, to respond appropriately.”
*The Associated Press contributed to this report.*
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/05/massachusetts-is-prepared-for-national-guard-deployment-ag-andrea-campbell-says/
