SPOKANE, Wash. – Protests continue in Spokane as ICE’s immigration enforcement methods spark debate. Demonstrators are voicing concerns over the deportation of Cesar and Joshua, two Venezuelan men transferred from Spokane to a Tacoma facility.
The protests, which began outside a DHS office near the Spokane arena, escalated into confrontations with police. Smoke and pepper bombs were deployed, and tensions rose as hundreds gathered to protest the deportation.
Former City Council President Ben Stuckart, who is Cesar’s legal guardian, has been actively involved. He spoke with Cesar last night and shared his thoughts.
“Still, I’m thrilled that we got to talk to him, but he was a bit sad,” Stuckart said. “The conditions aren’t the best, and he’s able to see Joshua, his roommate, the person he came with, through his room, but he can’t talk to him.”
Stuckart was with Cesar and Joshua at the DHS office when ICE took them into custody. He shared his experience on social media, inviting others to join him in protest.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen some of the videos of them coming out, but it was when the smoke was going on,” Stuckert said. “He saw the people in the streets and knew that those people were all there for him.”
The Trump administration has focused on targeting violent criminals in its immigration policies. ICE reports that more than 66,000 illegal aliens have been arrested during the first four months of President Trump’s second term, with 75% categorized as criminals.
However, Stuckart argues that Cesar and Joshua do not fit that profile. He emphasized, “They are good men who fled Venezuela for a reason, and they are connected with the community in Spokane. and they deserve to stay.”
The two men are expected to face an expedited deportation hearing, which could occur as soon as next month.
