SPOKANE, Wash. – The congressman representing eastern Washington praised the law enforcement response to a large protest against ICE Wednesday night, but urged Washington leaders to cooperate with federal immigration agents.
Hundreds of people came out in two protests Wednesday night that eventually merged into one.
Mayor Lisa Brown declared a state of emergency and put a curfew in place, giving Spokane Police authority to arrest people who would not disperse.
Mayor Brown did, however, remind the community of Spokane’s commitment to following the Keep Washington Working Act, which prevents local law enforcement from sharing immigration information with federal agents, among other restrictions.
In a statement sent Thursday, Rep. Baumgartner encouraged cooperation.
His statement says:
“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. 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.”
Spokane Police arrested at least 30 people Wednesday night, mostly for failing to disperse. Two people were arrested on felony charges.
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