SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of people lined Spokane Falls Boulevard outside Congressman Michael Baumgartner’s office Tuesday afternoon to protest the federal government as part of a national walkout.
The demonstration was part of a national walkout, with several of them happening across Spokane County. People expressed their concerns over several issues, including ICE’s presence in American cities.
Several of the signs at the demonstration called for Congressman Baumgartner to be voted out of office. Many protesters are frustrated with his support of the Trump administration, including its foreign policy on Venezuela and Greenland.
Protesters say they have become too frustrated not to join in the demonstrations. They are concerned about a variety of issues, especially what ICE is doing, particularly in Minnesota. They are worried similar things could happen in Spokane.
“I’m terrified that the truth doesn’t matter anymore, and that everyone says, ‘everybody lies, they all lie.’ That doesn’t make it right,” said Terri Gruber, a protester.
Lesley Hodell, another protester, expressed concerns about federal enforcement actions.
“I disagree with military in our streets. I disagree with brown shirts coming door to door in America. With no due process, no warrants, wearing masks,” Hodell said.
The protest was part of national walkouts, and a separate demonstration was held in front of Rogers High School.
Anastasia Aldecoa, a protester who says she hasn’t participated in many protests before this one, said the recent actions of the Trump administration made her want to join in.
“It’s just all wrong to me. My grandparents were immigrants, I feel like our country was built by immigrants from several countries. I feel like our constitution is not being followed right now,” Aldecoa said.
Aldecoa says seeing other people that share her views gives her hope for the future.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
