The air was electric, filled with the rhythmic chants of passionate protesters and the supportive honks of cars passing along Alki Avenue. Hundreds had gathered, waving Mexican flags and holding signs that boldly proclaimed messages like “Immigrants built this country” and “The only minority destroying the country is the 1%.” The energy was contagious, fueled by the determination of those standing up for immigrant rights and against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A Protest with Purpose
The “Protest Against ICE” kicked off at 2 p.m. at Alki Beach Park, where the diverse group united in their call for justice. The march stretched over a mile to Alki Beach Pier, where speeches, music, and even moments of dance painted a powerful picture of resistance and hope, with the iconic Seattle skyline as a backdrop.
As the group began their return journey around 4 p.m., the scene took a dramatic turn. Seattle police vehicles approached the crowd, and officers quickly arrested one protester who was accused of assaulting another demonstrator. The energy shifted as tensions grew.
The crowd momentarily blocked traffic on Alki Avenue, prompting police to issue warnings over loudspeakers. Officers, prepared with crowd-control equipment, refrained from using force but arrested a second demonstrator—a masked individual in black—after they reportedly obstructed a police vehicle. A juvenile protester was also briefly detained but later released to a parent. Despite the arrests, the crowd remained steadfast, continuing their march and chants.
The Bigger Picture
This demonstration is part of a broader resistance to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order accelerating deportations and referred to the situation as an “invasion.” He also attempted to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S., a move blocked by a federal judge in Seattle.
King County recently joined other sanctuary jurisdictions in suing the Trump administration, challenging what they describe as the federal government’s overreach into local law enforcement.
Voices That Inspire
Among the protesters were individuals with deeply personal reasons for attending. Jenny Catalan, who traveled from Aberdeen, expressed her heartbreak over family separations caused by mass deportations. “Some people see immigrants as criminals, not as hard workers,” she said.
Evelin Hernandez, from Marysville, was especially troubled by the attacks on birthright citizenship. “I came here to support my people and those who can’t be here,” she shared. “It’s better to have a voice than to have nobody show up for you.”
United for Change
The protest was organized by the Latino community and supported by groups like Latinos Con Palestinos, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Social media played a crucial role in bringing people together, with Instagram posts spreading the word far and wide.
Steve Leigh of the Seattle Revolutionary Socialists emphasized the importance of solidarity: “If they can divide us, it’s harder for us to win.”
This protest marked the second such event at Alki Beach within a week, underscoring the resilience of a community determined to fight for justice. As the march concluded, the voices of unity echoed louder than ever, a testament to the power of collective action.
