Spokane declares state of emergency amid anti-ICE protests

In Spokane, Washington, a state of emergency was declared after a protest escalated against the detention of a Venezuelan asylum seeker. The demonstration began outside the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office and was triggered by the detainment of a 21-year-old man during a scheduled check-in with immigration authorities. The situation intensified, prompting the police to label the gathering an unlawful assembly, which led to dispersal orders being issued to the crowd. The protest was fueled by community support for the detained individual, especially from former Spokane City Councilman Ben Stuckart, who had recently become the man’s legal guardian. As tensions escalated, officials issued a nighttime curfew that began at 9:30 p.m. and is expected to remain in effect until the early hours of the following day. This curfew was established to enhance public safety amid the unrest that followed the protests. The area covered by the curfew includes significant portions of downtown Spokane, incorporating locations that were central to the demonstrations and activities surrounding them. Mayor Lisa Brown emphasized that while the city respects the First Amendment rights of its residents to protest, unlawful actions must not threaten public safety. The protests took place in the broader context of nationwide unrest regarding immigration enforcement. Spokane is not alone in experiencing public outcry against federal immigration policies, as cities across the United States have seen similar demonstrations following large-scale ICE raids. In Los Angeles, for example, a recent curfew was implemented after multiple nights of unrest, including vandalism and violence, attributed to ICE-related actions and the mobilization of military personnel under the orders of then-President Trump. The events in Spokane reflect a growing concern among citizens regarding immigration enforcement practices and their perceived impact on families and communities. The call to action issued by Stuckart highlighted the emotional stakes involved for the illegal detainer, as the protest drew substantial community support. Statements from local officials indicated that while law enforcement has a mandate to maintain order, there is also a significant acknowledgement of citizens' rights to express their dissent, provided that such expressions remain peaceful and lawful.