SPOKANE, Wash. – A press conference, hosted by Fuze Washington, included demands for action following the arrest of protestors during the June 11 ICE protests.
One of the demands, having local leaders publicly request the Federal Government drop charges against nine activists named in an indictment.
Nine individuals were taken into federal custody on July 9, with seven charged with conspiracy to impede or injure officers and two additionally charged with assault on a federal officer. The indictment accused the protestors of attempting to “prevent, by force intimidation and threat, an officer of the United States from discharging any duties of their office.”
Allegations include slashing tires, refusing to move, throwing smoke bombs back at police and striking officers.
Ali Manning, one of the protestors, disputed the allegations.
“The violence was brought by the police,” Manning said. “It’s painted often in the media, the protestors were being violent. But that’s not the experience that was happening.”
During the meeting, Councilman Paul Dillon apologized to Manning for the events of June 11.
“Amy, I am so sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything that happened to many others on June 11,” Dillon said.
After the meeting, Dillon spoke with Non Stop Local, and emphasized the importance of actions over words in addressing the situation.
“I think, you know, it was important to do that,” Dillon said. “But I think that words can often fall short, and the actions speak louder.”
Other demands focused on legal protections for immigrants in Spokane.
Dillon pointed to the Safe in Spokane ordinance as a step forward. He expressed his commitment to exploring all options available to Spokane City Council to support the community.
“To protect communities and make Spokane Trump proof,” Dillon said.
The community continues to call for action and support from their elected officials as they navigate the legal and social challenges arising from the protests.
The Seven demands listed in the Fuze Washington press release are:
“1. Defend immigrants from the administration by:
Mandating ICE agents identify themselvesRequire federal agents provide proof of valid judicial warrants before arrestsTasking the City of Spokane to conduct regular Freedom of Information Act requests to find out who ICE is detaining in our city and on what grounds.
2. Publicly request that the federal charges of the 9 individuals arrested be dropped and protect community members from future attacks by the federal government.
3.Create and distribute official signage specifying resident’s and businesses’ right to refuse entry without a warrant.
4. Create a community fund of at least $500,000 to be used for emergency aid in the form of crisis support, direct services, and mutual aid for immigrant communities and administered by an organization with direct ties to immigrants.
5. Pass H.B. 1056, the AGO Investigations and Reform Bill which will help enforce the Keep WA Working Act by requiring the state Attorney General’s office to investigate patterns and practices of misconduct by law enforcement.
6. Ensure the Spokane Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff protect the right to peaceful protest through transparency, collaboration with protesters and de-escalation.”
