This is a long one. We wanted to make sure to gather everything for the record. Here’s a table of contents to help you navigate:
- Background – What sparked the protest
- A Timeline – Important moments from a very long night
- The Court Hearing – 34 people were arrested. 2 were charged with a slew of felonies, we went to that hearing
- Quotes from the first four hours
- Why people were willing to be arrested
- Late Night Presser – Mayor Brown, Chief Hall and others gathered to explain the rationale behind the dispersal order and decision to arrest the people impeding ICE
- Photo Gallery – As always, local photo journalists captured powerful images of the moment
- Official Responses
- Other Coverage – The way our colleagues at other outlets saw it.
Background:
On Wednesday, June 11 between noon and 1 pm, former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart sent out an alert to the general public:
Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez, a young man who had, until that very day, been in Stuckart’s care as a “Special Immigrant Juvenile,” (SIJ) was detained during a last minute appointment with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Stuckart was refused entry to the appointment, and only found out about the detention after Perez was already in custody.
Stuckart asked for folks to join him in protesting the detainment of Perez and of Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres, a Colombian national in his late twenties, who had walked across multiple states with Perez, trying to find safety as refugees. As the RANGE team texted him asking to connect once we arrived at the demonstration, he responded, “who knows if anyone shows up.”
He didn’t need to worry.
Under the SIJ program, Stuckart was considered Perez’ legal guardian. Though he did not live with Stuckart, Stuckart took the young man — who he met while volunteering at Latinos en Spokane (LeS) — under his wing, helping him get to immigration hearings and navigate the complicated process. They were both under the impression that things were going well: Perez had attended every meeting he was told to, had been filing paperwork on a limited basis through a contract attorney from LeS and even had a court date scheduled for 2026, Stuckart said.
Yesterday, everything changed: it was Perez’ birthday.
He turned 21, which meant Perez had aged out of the SIJ program. ICE called Perez in for a check-up. When Stuckart tried to go in with him, he wasn’t allowed.
“It took them seven minutes,” Stuckart said. “And then they came out and said we’re detaining them — Joswar and Cesar.” (Torres had also been called in for a meeting that day.)
ICE agents wouldn’t let Stuckart in to talk to the young men, nor would they give a clear reason for their detainment, just stating they were being sent to an immigration judge in Tacoma.
It was confusing for Stuckart: Perez had an asylum court date scheduled for next year, and had a legal work permit up until last Friday, when it was abruptly revoked with no clear communication as to why, Stuckart said.
“ He’s done everything right,” Stuckart said yesterday afternoon, smoking a cigarette in front of the bus. “So me? I’m gonna sit in front of this bus and tell them I don’t want them to take my friend, whatever happens.”
A Timeline
A detailed timeline of events with photo and video logs.
Wednesday, June 11
1 pm-ish: Former Council Member Ben Stuckart sent out an action alert, calling for protestors to come to the ICE Office at 411 W Cataldo Ave.
1:56 pm: A young man in a different case went in for a scheduled ICE appointment. A translator was denied access to the building. Shortly after, around 20 protestors and members of the media arrived at the office. There was an ICE van parked in front of the office. Stuckart and representatives from Latinos en Spokane spoke to the press. Stuckart pledged to stay in front of the van and not let it drive off. Other protestors discussed their willingness to get arrested to block the bus, including two youth who were sitting in front of the side doors to the bus.
2:30 pm: Someone in a mask rode up on a bike, spray-painted the windshield of the ICE transport van and rode off. Stuckart and other protest leaders communicated what had happened to city and state officials and reiterated the group’s intent to stay nonviolent.
2:31 pm: Justice Forral drove a red car to park in front of the ICE transport van, boxing it in from the front.
2:34 pm: Two people, presumably ICE agents, exited the building to tell a protester sitting in front of the bus that they would be arrested if they did not move. One of the agents walked up to Party for Socialism and Liberation member David Brookbank and asked if there was anyone they could talk to representing the protest. The agent stressed that people blocking the van would be arrested. Others who were willing to be arrested, including Stuckart, Liz Moore (of Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane), Angel Tomeo Sam (of Yoyot Sp’q’n’i) and Julie Garcia (of Jewels Helping Hands), jumped in to join the sit-in in front of the bus. Protestors shouted “Shame, shame,” through the entire interaction.
2:43 pm: ICE personnel filmed from the windows of the building as protestors chanted “Asylum seekers are welcome here, immigrants are welcome here, refugees are welcome here.” As protestors noticed the agents filming, they started shouting. The group of protesters blocking the bus grew to 12, including Naida Spencer, chair of the Spokane County Democrats.
3:01 pm: A second car arrived, boxing in the ICE van from the rear.
3:15 pm: A second crowd began to form on the back of the building after protestors noticed a second ICE vehicle preparing to leave. At this point RANGE estimates there were between 75 to 100 people spread between the exits.
3:49 pm: Protestors willing to get arrested huddled up, agreeing on their strategy and community norms.
3:51 pm: Community members started forming a pile of donated supplies including snacks, sunscreen, electrolyte powder and water.
3:55 pm: Stuckart told the crowd that Mayor Lisa Brown and Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall were in contact with ICE trying to negotiate the release of the people who had been detained. Brown later denied this happened. Hall said his office had been in contact with ICE, though it was unclear if it was to push for release or to coordinate the law enforcement response.
After two hours of protest there had been no violence.
4:46 pm: RANGE received a press release from Mayor Lisa Brown with her stance on the protest.
5:02 pm: Two immigration lawyers from Manzanita House were working in a corner with colleagues on the other side of the state, trying to find any legal statute to argue for release of the two detained people. One of the immigration lawyers said she had spoken to ICE through the callbox on the front of the building and offered to represent the detained immigrants who had no legal representation on site.
5:08 pm: At The Podium nearby, Spokane Velocity FC prepared to face Charlotte Independence SC in a soccer match celebrating Pride. The national anthem could be heard faintly from the protest. Video provided by a protestor.
5:20 pm: Protestors from the south exit shouted for backup as they saw an ICE transport start to leave. We got no footage of this moment as we were running to cover it.
5:24 pm: A RANGE reporter arrived at the open south gate as protestors lined up in front of the exit to stop them from leaving. We filmed from the side as protestors shouted “Let them go.” ICE agents and men with no uniforms then began indiscriminately shoving protestors who had linked arms as well as the RANGE reporter, who had identified themselves as press . The ICE agents and men with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) insignia shoved people to the ground then retreated behind the facility gate. Here is footage from the reporter and footage sent to us by a protestor.
5:35 pm: Protestors had begun to build a barricade in front of the lower gate with Lime bikes and plastic bollards.
6:24 pm: For about an hour, things were uneventful. Protestors maintained groups at all three exits. No one was in the street. Then, at 6:24, after a warning to protestors from a source inside City Hall, police arrived.
6:25 pm: At least 10 vehicles and a red ICE transport van and shut down Washington Street.
6:26 pm: Police officers from SPD’s tactical team quickly cleared a path from the sidewalk into the building to the red ICE transport van.
6:26 pm: Protestors then started to coalesce near the police presence, gathering around the red ICE van, including a group that was willing to risk arrest.
6:29 pm: A group of protestors willing to risk arrest sits in front of the red van.
6:33 pm: View from above as protestors continue to gather and shout “Let them go.”
6:34 pm: Protestors, including Tomeo Sam, Garcia and Stuckart linked arms on one side of the transport van to stop it from leaving.
6:36 pm: The County Sheriff officers arrive, increasing the police presence at the so-far peaceful protest.
6:45 ish: the RANGE reporter started livestreaming. Their phone died so a chunk got deleted. Footage then resumes and can be watched in full here. Police started violently arresting people, which can be seen on film. The tires of the red ICE van were deflated or slashed. Protestors were warned that the gathering had been declared unlawful and that chemical munitions would be deployed. We didn’t get footage of the moment, but amidst the chaos, ICE agents walked three people who had been detained to a third ICE van and departed the police barricade for the Tacoma ICE detention facility. By 8:45, chemical munitions had been deployed against protestors.
One protestor, who was later arrested, kicked a smoke bomb back towards officers (which was the lone act of violence against officers that we witnessed in the entire evening.) Smoke bombs were thrown in the direction of media members who were corralled into a small area with no clear, safe exit.
There was one smoke bomb with green smoke which may have been tear gas, as multiple reporters felt stinging in the eyes and mouth after its deployment. Pepper balls were shot by SPD into the crowd, as were rubber bullets by the Spokane County Sheriffs.
Over the course of the evening, tactical equipment and officers from other jurisdictions arrived on scene, like surveillance drones, a helicopter and additional Bearcats — heavily armored vehicles. We got an anonymous tip that Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels tried to call in the National Guard for what was a nonviolent protest (at least on the part of the protestors) until police arrived. Nowels later told another outlet the Department of Homeland Security had called him rather than SPD.
Attendees of the Spokane Zephyr Pride game described smoke hovering over the game, and experiencing burning sensations in their eyes and mouth.
8:30 pm: Multiple vans filled with protestors had been taken to the county jail. Folks with various mutual aid groups showed up with bail, as did multiple pro bono lawyers. Most of the people arrested were charged with misdemeanor obstruction and $500 bond, though two queer people — at least one of whom is a queer BIPOC person — were charged with multiple counts of unlawful imprisonment after Forral built a barrier outside the ICE facility. One lawyer told us “it was chaos,” with additional charges being threatened against prominent politicians who had been arrested.
9:30 pm: A curfew on the area around the ICE office was imposed by Mayor Brown, running from 9:30 pm to 5 pm. Despite the curfew, we did not witness any additional arrests or chemical munition deployments from this point, but our reporter was cordoned on the South side of the protest and wasn’t able to record from the North side of the protest — after officers split the group into two halves near the beginning of the police response.
10 pm: Brown held a press conference during which she defended SPD facilitating ICE officers as they tried to transport the immigrants out of the Homeland Security building, saying the protesters had violated city law by impeding public rights of way. SPD Chief Kevin Hall said his officers deployed white smoke grenades and pepper balls but did not fire rubber bullets. He could not speak for the other agencies.
10:30 pm: Bond had been paid for most of the 31 protestors who had been arrested. Only two faced felony charges and were not allowed to have their bond paid.
Thursday, June 12
10:00 am-ish: We received reports that those arrested who were bailed out had been released, leaving Justice Forral and Erin Lang — the two charged with felonies — in custody.
10:46 am: We received visual confirmation from two freelance photographers of rubber bullets or long distance foam batons being fired into the crowd. Here’s a quick guide to the difference between less lethal munitions.
The Court Hearing
Of the 34 people who were arrested in Wednesday night’s protest on suspicion of the misdemeanor charge of failure to disperse, two were also charged with seven counts of “unlawful imprisonment”, a class C felony in the State of Washington.
Justice Forral, an organizer with Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR), and Erin Lang, a local artist, were both given the unlawful imprisonment charges and one count of failure to disperse each.
On Thursday afternoon, a Superior Court Commissioner released them both on their own recognizance without an additional bond.
It’s unclear why exactly Forral and Lang were specifically targeted for felony charges while other protesters were not, neither the prosecuting attorney nor the court documents gave any details.
Even though this was just a first appearance hearing, dozens of people crowded into a tiny courtroom at the Spokane County Courthouse, sitting on the floor and spilling into the hallway. The crowd was a mix of press and supporters of Forral and Lang. The presiding judge, court commissioner Anthony Rugel, decided to move the hearing to a larger courtroom to accommodate the crowd.
Both defendants appeared separately on a large video screen with their attorney Sarah Freedman: Forral in bright yellow scrubs and Lang in grey scrubs and a bright orange undershirt.
Stuart Fox, an attorney with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, asked the judge for a $2,500 bond in each case, arguing that there was “a concern for community safety” because “individuals were trapped at the location.” Fox said both Forral and Lang had obstructed justice and had a “potential impact to the administration of justice.” He prefaced his argument in both cases by acknowledging that neither defendant had a criminal record.
Freedman argued against any bond being set and also asked that probable cause “be reserved,” meaning that she wanted the judge to wait to determine if there are reasonable grounds for the charges in these cases.
She also noted during the hearing that she gave the prosecutor copies of the professional conduct rules for attorneys that states the special responsibilities of prosecuting attorneys — among which include that they “refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause.” She noted specifically that “prosecutors are administers for justice.”
“There is no evidence of a violent crime here,” Freedman told the judge during the hearing, and no allegation that either Forral or Lang committed a violent act that risked the safety of a person.
Rugel, told the court that with no criminal history for either defendant, he would be releasing them both on their own recognizance. He set their arraignment — where the defendants will enter their pleas — for June 25.
After the hearing, Freedman came to the courthouse to talk with press and family members of Lang and Forral and to represent another client in a completely separate case.
She described a chaotic night: she and several other attorneys who had volunteered to help the arrested protesters were at the jail until about 2:30 am ensuring that the people arrested were bailed out and had representation.
It was unclear at first who exactly was arrested at the protest, as law enforcement was arresting people and placing them in plastic cuffs on the sidewalk before transporting them to the Spokane County Jail.
A protestor held in plastic restraints. Photo by Sandra Rivera.
“We were trying to guess who people were based on the inmate roster,” she said. They went off recent bookings, bondable people and bond size, which was $500 for the charge of “Failure to Dispurse.”
Forral and Lang were released today, and Freedman said that they are both OK and happy that bond wasn’t imposed for these charges.
“Right now, we’re just waiting to see what happens next.”
Quotes from the first four hours
Some random quotes collected from reporter Erin Sellers from 1:45 to 4:30 pm.
“We’ve seen this before. The US has always written policies that criminalize who we are,” – Angel Tomeo Sam, Yoyot Sp’q’n’i
“What is justice to you?” – protestor, attribution unknown
“This is no different than when presidents endorsed slavery because it was good for the economy,” – Mark Finney, Thrive International
“ We fucking feed you. We work. We clean your houses. We take care of your kids. We make your food, take care of your kids. Stop kidnapping our people without due process. We deserve our day in court,” – protestor, chose to remain anonymous.
“ Our commitment is to the people who are being held inside. Our commitment is to the people who are being targeted and harassed for trying to live. Our commitment is to each other. Our commitment is to stand up against the billionaire agenda that’s using racism to target and weaken our entire career. Country and community and to directly harm wonderful people who are just trying to live. So we are not here to satisfy our own egos. We’re here to prevent this bus from moving and say, no more deportations, abolish ICE, not in our name. So it’s not about being peaceful, it’s not about being calm, it’s about being calm, disciplined, nonviolent and committed to each other,” – Moore, PJALS
Why people were willing to be arrested
“ I’m a brown person who has the privilege of being born here. That does not mean everyone in my community does, and that their lives are not valued,” — Julie Garcia
“ I’m with Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR), and this is the definition of standing up against racism to me. Like this person said, I have a privilege of being able to take this risk and so if I’m not willing to do that, I don’t know how I can expect anyone else to,” — Jac Archer, SCAR
“ I am the executive director of Yoyot Sp’q’n’i, and we actually made a statement condemning ICE, condemning these orders, from our president. And I just want to pull a little piece out of our statement that says, ‘I stand with all these targeted by these violent and hauntingly familiar policies. We will not be silent as our relatives are caged, disappeared and torn from their loved ones. We believe in liberation, not incarceration; care, not cruelty; belonging, not banishment. And I also wanna say that we are on the lands of the Spokane people. And this was always a gathering place. And, it’s a horrific time for other people, but we know about these borders on stolen land and there shouldn’t be. I stand with every single person here who says, abolish ICE. So that’s what I hope to do. Abolish ICE,” — Angel Tomeo Sam, Yoyot Sp’q’n’i
“The way that the multiracial, working class of this country is being manipulated and split by strategic racism to benefit a handful of billionaires who are trying to trick us all into advancing their deeper and deeper pockets. So we say no. We say no to racism. We say no to anti-immigrant hatred, and we’re gonna put our bodies in the way,” — Liz Moore, PJALS
“ My father was not born here. He came here from South America when he was four. At that point in time, there was not a long waiting list that people had to stay in their terrible, terrible situations while wanting to come here for a better life. I am blessed to have been born here, right? And … I don’t have the same complications as other people — my skin is white even though I’m not. I am here because this is not right. Like we’ve sat there and watched people get pulled out of their homes, get tackled and assaulted, and all of this. The literal slogan of America is a complete contradiction to what is going on right now,” — a person willing to be arrested who chose not to give their name.
“I like my ICE crushed and I’m here to show white men what it means to do the bare fucking minimum,” — Mickey Pike
“ I’m the chair of the Spokane County Democrats. I’m also a Kosovo, Afghanistan veteran, and this is not what I served for. Everyone deserves due process. It’s time for our elected officials and our law enforcement to follow the constitution. Thank you,” Naida Spencer, Chair of the Spokane County Democrats
“ ICE is trying to deport people. They can’t deport ’em if they can’t get in the bus,” — Jude
Late Night Presser: Brown defends police facilitating ICE access to agency building
As a standoff between protesters and four separate law enforcement agencies began dying down on Wednesday, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown hosted a 10 pm press conference at City Hall during which she defended law enforcement helping federal officials transport the two immigrants they’d arrested from their Cataldo Avenue facility.
The police had closed down Washington Street near the local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, where hundreds of demonstrators had gathered to protest the detentions. The immigrants are in the country legally.
Washington is a sanctuary state under the Keep Washington Working Act (KWWA), a law that bars local agencies from helping federal agents enforce immigration law. Brown said she didn’t see a contradiction between her vocal commitment to the KWWA and ordering Spokane police to clear away the protesters, effectively allowing the ICE vehicles to leave with the detained men. Brown said the KWWA didn’t come into play at all, as Spokane police officers were enforcing municipal code that bars people from impeding rights of way.
“It’s pretty clear from the observations I had of what was occurring there and frankly from my communication throughout the afternoon with some of the protestors that they did not expect that they would be successful in stopping ICE — a federal agency — from completing their mission,” Brown said.
Brown argued that by responding to the protests with city police, she had made it less likely that President Donald Trump would send in National Guard and Marines as he has done or threatened to do in California and other places that have seen similar protests.
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall also took questions from reporters, saying SPD deployed white smoke in the crowd of protesters and fired pepper balls at the demonstrators’ feet. He said SPD did not use rubber bullets, though it’s unclear how he could be absolutely sure of that so soon after the conclusion of the protest. Many protestors described being shot with bean bag rounds, rubber bullets and other less-lethal munitions and had the welts to prove it. Spokane County Sheriff deputies do appear to have shot protesters with less-lethal rounds.
Hall said about 185 city officers responded to the scene, not including sheriff’s deputies. By about 10:45 pm, there were around 20 protesters still on Washington Street, though a small group of people started gathering near City Hall.
Brown reiterated Spokane’s commitment to making sure immigrant communities are safe and feel welcome.
“ I know there is tremendous fear among our local immigrant and refugee community,” Brown said. “My heart goes out to families who are separated or are fearful of what might happen to them in their workplace or as they proceed about their lives in Spokane. That’s why I’ve been coordinating with some of our local partners to understand how we can be supportive of those communities. Because in Spokane, we all belong.”
Photo Gallery
Photos by Ben Tobin
Photos by Sandra Rivera
Photos submitted by community
Official Responses
We’ve collated responses from officials and some of those arrested at the event. Here’s everything we’ve seen so far, and we’ll update as more information comes out.
Former City Council Member Ben Stuckart
From Stuckart’s Facebook:
“Spokane shows up! I am out of jail. Up until I was arrested the protest was 99.9% peaceful. Not sure what happened that led to the use of pepper spray. I was peacefully detained before any of that went down.
Unfortunately Cesar and Joswar were taken by ICE to Tacoma. They were illegally detained, had work permits and had gone through every single correct procedure and only showed up at the ICE office to follow the rules. They have been following the rules. They are good upstanding young men.
Those that judge my actions harshly are on the wrong side of history. What is happening is wrong. These two young men were not criminals and were following the law.
I have much privilege and am able to protest and be arrested. Many others in our community need us to stand up for them. They are not in a position to do this. It is our moral responsibility to stand for them.
FYI : after cooking in the van during processing my mug shot is going to be priceless.”
County Democrats Party Chair Naida Spencer
From Spencer’s Facebook:
“I was just bailed out alongside a handful of others. I want to be clear: this action was about standing up for working, tax-paying individuals and their constitutional right to due process. We were peaceful and remained off the road until the police themselves closed it off. Only then did people move into the street.
I’m proud of how peaceful everyone remained, even as police pushed and shoved protestors from the designated protest area into the road. This moment is a clear example of the world conservatives have long warned us about—yet it’s they who are shaping a system that serves only the ultra-rich and keeps the rest of us down.
Those of us with the privilege of due process, those who can afford to miss a paycheck without losing everything, have a responsibility to act.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Stay peaceful. Stay strong.”
Congressman Michael Baumgartner
“I have spoken with Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and other local government officials about last night’s protests. I’d like to applaud our law enforcement’s timely response and effective use of restraint to not let the situation escalate. It is imperative that local government officials in Washington state work collaboratively with federal officials to enforce immigration laws. We need both secure borders and immigration reform. Peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution, but there is no excuse for violence or impeding law enforcement officials.”
Washington Senator Patty Murray
“It’s totally wrong to abruptly detain legal asylum seekers at their check-in appointments without any justification—we’re talking about people who were following the legal process, contributing to their communities, and pose no threat to public safety. As I’ve said time and again, diverting law enforcement resources away from fighting violent crime to round up immigrants who are working and going through the legal process is nothing but a cruel waste of taxpayer dollars that makes all of us less safe.
The Trump administration is intentionally provoking chaos, terror, and disorder in our communities by bringing in federal agents to grab people off the streets. I stand with the citizens of Spokane who are peacefully speaking out against these egregious abuses of our immigration laws, and those who are mounting challenges in the courts.
I will always support people exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful protest and I urge anyone taking part in protest activities to remain calm and never resort to violence, which only plays into the Trump administration’s hands.
The Trump administration needs to let local law enforcement do their job—federal troops should never be deployed over the request of state and local officials to escalate situations that local police are already effectively managing.”
Mayor Lisa Brown
Press statement at 4:34 pm:
“I am aware of the situation unfolding outside of the Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Spokane. The City of Spokane respects and upholds everyone’s First Amendment rights and right to be on public property.
“The City of Spokane continues to uphold the Keep Washington Working Act. The Spokane Police Department will address violations of Spokane Municipal Code.
“I encourage everyone to remain peaceful and safe, and my heart goes out to families being separated. Our unity is stronger than any attempt to divide us.”
She then held a press conference, which we covered above.
Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson
“In response to the recent immigration protests, I feel it is imperative to speak directly to our community.
Let me be clear: those who were arrested during these events did not face consequences for exercising their right to protest. The actions taken by the Spokane Police Department (SPD) were aimed at keeping our residents safe, not at supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. We are still gathering information on the events last night, but we are confident that SPD arrests targeted only those individuals who unlawfully obstructed justice or engaged in acts of vandalism. Our right to protest is sacred, but it must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the law and the rights of others. We stand firmly behind the Mayor’s decision to implement a curfew, a necessary measure to maintain peace while also respecting the fundamental First Amendment rights of our residents.
I recognize that the civil unrest we are experiencing can create deep divisions within our community. However, now is not the time for discord; it is a time to focus on finding a path forward that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our immigrant community.
I firmly believe in our motto, “In Spokane, We All Belong.” We will continue to support the Keep Washington Working Act, which protects immigrant communities by minimizing the involvement of SPD to the greatest extent possible. Our immigrant community adds immense value, culture, and a strong workforce that contributes to what makes Spokane the place we call home.
I would also like to commend Chief Hall for his leadership and the collaboration with regional jurisdictions, demonstrating that working together for the betterment of our community is possible.
Together, we can create solutions that uphold our values and ensure that every citizen feels secure and respected. I urge each of you to continue using your voices. Enhance your civic engagement by collaborating with the Council on ordinances and laws that will protect our most vulnerable and ensure their safety and freedom in Spokane and throughout the United States.”
Spokane City Council Member Paul Dillon
“No human being is illegal. We are witnessing in real time the direct result of the escalation the Trump Administration inflicts on communities which creates chaos and fear. These actions do not improve public safety in Spokane and the two young men detained deserve their due process and the protections under the Constitution. I support the right to peaceful assembly and we must resist efforts to divide us. I remain committed to the fight for equal justice for all.”
Joint Statement between CM Dillon and Council Member Lili Navarrete
From a video posted here. Transcription of joint statement:
Dillon: Everybody this is council member Paul Dillon for Spokane City Council District two. And yeah, go ahead.
Navarrete: City council for district two.
Dillon: Yeah. And obviously we’re still processing yesterday’s events. I know the c is in a lot of pain right now. Obviously we’re holding in our hearts all of the protestors and people that came out to speak out.
Engage and show up for community and express solidarity against a lot of the enforcement actions that we are seeing from the Trump administration and ice. We’re obviously seeing this around the country and Spokane is not exempt. I think from a lot of the abuses of power that we are seeing from the Trump administration.
We are excited to announce that we do have. A new ordinance that is moving, that was dropped yesterday.
Navarrete: The ordinance can, do you wanna say the name?
Dillon: Yes. It’s safe and welcome in Spokane
Navarrete: Safe and welcome in Spokane. So this ordinance will be first reading on the 23rd and final reading on the 30th of this month.
And what that ordinance basically will pertain is that any public events, in private areas that are city owned will be protected. So no ice agents or border patrol will be allowed in all those events. We are doing this thinking of our community that right now are being, they’re being heard they’re being targeted.
So we want to promote where our motto in Spokane, we all belong. And this is thinking about our community to feel safe. And to be able to relax and be with families. And this will be again, final rating June 30th for calling everyone to come in solidarity and help us bring this forward.
It will be read in my last city council meeting. So it would be great to see. A lot of faces supporting our community and this ordinance.
Dillon: Thank you so much. Thanks for continuing to engage. Reach out. Again, I know this is a very hard time. We’re gonna power through and looking forward to moving this ordinance forward.
Thank you so much. Thank you.
County Commissioner Josh Kerns
From KXLY coverage, where he labelled the protests “riots,”:
“The unrest we have seen in the City of Spokane is unacceptable,” said Commissioner Kerns. “I stand with the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who put themselves in harm’s way to protect lives, businesses, and public safety.” He continued, “Thank you to our police officers, deputies, and their families tonight. We support you and have your back”.
Commissioner Kerns also stated, “I strongly support every American’s First Amendment right to speak freely and protest peacefully—but that right does not include violence, obstruction of law enforcement, destruction of property, or putting others at risk. We must uphold both our freedoms and our responsibility to exercise them lawfully.”
Manzanita House
“‘I am afraid to go to the check-ins.”’”
Recent events have underscored a climate of fear as immigrants reach out to our immigration office in distress. Many express deep concerns over potential detentions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This fear is palpable and reflects a troubling reality that immigrants, who are already highly vulnerable, face daily.
We are urgently calling upon our collective strength in response to alarming trends threatening the safety and well-being of immigrants in our community.
To combat this growing fear and to ensure that no one faces immigration proceedings alone, we are building a network of attorneys willing to attend check-ins with unrepresented individuals. We urge legal professionals within our community to step forward and help protect the rights of immigrants. Email: mila@mhspokane.org
Want comprehensive immigration reform? Let your voice be heard. Reach out to our representatives at all levels including Luc Jasmin, Eastern Regional Outreach Representative for the Office of the Governor Bob Ferguson: luc.jasmin@gov.wa.gov, 564-250-1713.
Together, we can show up with courage and care, standing firmly against the intimidation tactics currently impacting our immigrant community.”
Latinos en Spokane
Nuestras Raices Centro Comunitario
“ICE agency has become a symbol of fear for many families across our nation. The core belief that families belong together is not just a slogan; it is a fundamental truth that resonates deeply within our communities. Every individual deserves to live with dignity, free from the shadows of fear and uncertainty.
We are not just a center; we are the community, united in our mission to uplift and empower one another. Please stay safe out there!
We continue to voice our concerns regarding the injustices that impact us, and ensuring that those in positions of power are held accountable for their failure to defend our rights.”
ACLU of Washington
“We condemn the actions by law enforcement at Wednesday’s protest of unjust immigration enforcement policies in Spokane. Whether it was smoke grenades, pepper balls, or other so called “less-lethal” weapons, the effect is the same: these tactics escalate conflict, chill free speech, and inflict real harm. Protesters have a clear constitutional right to gather and publicly criticize government action. The use of chemical agents, impact munitions, and aggressive tactics against largely peaceful protestors is not only dangerous, it undermines public trust and suppresses dissent. Police should be protecting rights, not relying on force or inciting fear and chaos. We stand in solidarity with protesters and asylum seekers who are advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and safety. We call for full transparency from Spokane officials, including the release of bodycam footage, use-of-force reports and any other reviews of police misconduct at the protest.”
Sarah Dixit, Candidate Spokane City Council, Distinct 1
“Freedom and justice are won through protest
As an advocate and organizer, I know what it means to stand up against injustice. Back in 2018, I stood alongside WAISN to demand that Customs and Border Patrol be barred from Spokane’s Intermodal Station and we won that fight. So when the community was asked to stand up to ICE again on June 11, I didn’t hesitate to answer that call. The young people we tried to protect were following the rules, but ICE unjustly detained them anyway, breaking with their own proper procedure. I’m saddened by the escalation at the hands of law enforcement and that so many of my friends and community members were arrested for expressing their first amendment right to protest.
Accountability, Belonging, and Community aren’t just buzz words to me – they are the values that guide my personal, professional, and political life. What I saw on June 11 was a beautiful demonstration of these values in action. Spokane is a city full of people who care deeply. A lot of us are upset about what’s going on and feel like we have to do something. We showed up for each other, brought water, shared snacks and sunscreen, and held the protest as long as we could. We showed up to say that what ICE is doing is not okay and that we are paying attention.
Unfortunately, the police response was a stark example of state violence being deployed against our community. Our words matter. The way we frame protests matter. Too often, the focus is on if a protest is “peaceful” and “non-violent,” which, yes, is important. But those terms are subjective and are twisted by those in power. Peace isn’t simply the absence of violence. It is the presence of Justice. I will continue to stand with my community members until we win Justice for all people in Spokane.”
Spectrum Center Spokane
“Still here. Still proud. Still showing up for each other and for justice. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✊
We celebrate Pride with love and resistance. We honor our history by standing against the violence we witnessed this week from ICE, from the police, from the systems that continue to harm our communities.
What happened on Wednesday was unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with those targeted, and we remain committed to showing up, loudly and unapologetically, for Queer and Trans lives, especially Indigenous, Black, Brown, undocumented, and marginalized ones.
We will see you tomorrow at Pride. Bring your joy, your authenticity, your love, and each other.”
Other Coverage:
- A piece from The Spokesman Review on the immigration status of the young men who were detained. Spoiler: they were here legally.
- Sheriff Nowels confirms talking to the Department of Homeland Security and wanting to charge protestors with felonies. Story from The Center Square.
- Another independent angle on the protests from the news team at The Inlander.
- An update on use of force from The Inlander.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include additional official responses.
