COLVILLE, Wash. — More than 100 community members gathered in Colville to show their support for law enforcement this afternoon. Demonstrators expressed their backing for the sheriff, local officers, Border Patrol and ICE.
Brent Armes, a Colville resident, shared his personal connection to law enforcement. “My step dad was in Border Patrol and immigrations, and, I mean, I support our law enforcement because we need guys,” he said.
Gideon Evans from Kettle Falls described the event as positive. “It’s really cool. And, the support we’re getting from traffic and all that is pretty neat,” said Evans.
Evans noted the significance of the rally. “I have not seen something this big in a while,” he said.
Participants lined North Highway in Colville, peacefully expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by law enforcement.
Local veteran Rella Grimes highlighted the sacrifices made by families. “The families that they come home to are sacrificing as well because, they know their loved one could be gone at any time during their shift,” she said.
Grimes also praised the commitment of law enforcement to respond to crimes despite potential dangers.
Brian Henderson, a Colville resident, emphasized his support for legal immigration by custom ordering rally signs. “Not against immigrants or Republicans or whatever. We just want everyone safe,” he said.
Henderson also expressed his admiration for President Donald Trump’s initiatives. “You know, I am so proud of what he’s done because he is, for us. He’s not for him, like most politicians. He is there for us. And you can feel it,” he said.
The rally also provided a platform for discussions on law enforcement-related legislation, such as SB 5974.
Brent Armes shared his concerns about the bill. “Gives too much power to the government to remove whatever sheriffs they want. If they don’t like him,” he said.
The main motivation for the rally, as reported by Gierra Cottingham, was to let law enforcement know they are both seen and supported.
Rella Grimes concluded with a message of support for law enforcement. “I just hope people realize that the law enforcement that we have aren’t our enemies. They support our communities and protect us,” she said.
