ICE protests cause chaos leading to state of emergency in Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington is now under a state of emergency because protesters did not follow the curfew set by Mayor Lisa Brown from 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m.

Brown issued the curfew amid ICE protests downtown from Boone Ave to Spokane Falls Blvd and Howard St to Division St, as well as Riverfront Park.

The protests started when former Spokane City Councilman Ben Stuckart urged people to support a Venezuelan man seeking asylum.

In his call to action, Stuckart mentioned that he had become the legal guardian of the man, who is in the process of seeking asylum and was detained during a check-in with ICE. Stuckart asked for support at a specific location and time to protest against the detainment.

Brown also released a statement on the gathering.

“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.  

Crowds disperse as police deploy tear gas.  (KAYU-TV)

“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.”  

Several protesters have been taken into custody on “failure to disperse” charge and SPD has deployed tear gas on the crowd.