SPOKANE, Wash. – Two Washington state lawmakers and the Spokane City Council president released statements Thursday in response to an .
Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents Washington’s 5th District, issued the following statement:
“I have spoken with Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown and other local government officials about last night’s protests. I’d like to applaud our law enforcement’s timely response and effective use of restraint to not let the situation escalate,” Baumgartner said. “It is imperative that local government officials in Washington state work collaboratively with federal officials to enforce immigration laws. We need both secure borders and immigration reform. Peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Constitution, but there is no excuse for violence or impeding law enforcement officials.”
Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat, also shared a statement:
“It’s totally wrong to abruptly detain legal asylum seekers at their check-in appointments without any justification—we’re talking about people who were following the legal process, contributing to their communities, and pose no threat to public safety. As I’ve said time and again, diverting law enforcement resources away from fighting violent crime to round up immigrants who are working and going through the legal process is nothing but a cruel waste of taxpayer dollars that makes all of us less safe,” Murray said. “The Trump administration is intentionally provoking chaos, terror, and disorder in our communities by bringing in federal agents to grab people off the streets. I stand with the citizens of Spokane who are peacefully speaking out against these egregious abuses of our immigration laws, and those who are mounting challenges in the courts…I will always support people exercising their First Amendment right to peaceful protest and I urge anyone taking part in protest activities to remain calm and never resort to violence, which only plays into the Trump administration’s hands.”
City Council President Betsy Wilkerson also addressed the aftermath of the protest in a statement:
“In response to the recent immigration protests, I feel it is imperative to speak directly to our community.Let me be clear: those who were arrested during these events did not face consequences for exercising their right to protest. The actions taken by the Spokane Police Department (SPD) were aimed at keeping our residents safe, not at supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. We are still gathering information on the events last night, but we are confident that SPD arrests targeted only those individuals who unlawfully obstructed justice or engaged in acts of vandalism. Our right to protest is sacred, but it must be exercised responsibly and with respect for the law and the rights of others. We stand firmly behind the Mayor’s decision to implement a curfew, a necessary measure to maintain peace while also respecting the fundamental First Amendment rights of our residents.I recognize that the civil unrest we are experiencing can create deep divisions within our community. However, now is not the time for discord; it is a time to focus on finding a path forward that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our immigrant community.I firmly believe in our motto, ‘In Spokane, We All Belong.’ We will continue to support the Keep Washington Working Act, which protects immigrant communities by minimizing the involvement of SPD to the greatest extent possible. Our immigrant community adds immense value, culture, and a strong workforce that contributes to what makes Spokane the place we call home.I would also like to commend Chief Hall for his leadership and the collaboration with regional jurisdictions, demonstrating that working together for the betterment of our community is possible.Together, we can create solutions that uphold our values and ensure that every citizen feels secure and respected. I urge each of you to continue using your voices. Enhance your civic engagement by collaborating with the Council on ordinances and laws that will protect our most vulnerable and ensure their safety and freedom in Spokane and throughout the United States.”
