Bellingham Protest Draws Hundreds to Downtown Bellingham After ICE Shooting in Minnesota (PNW Daily Staff)
BLAINE, Wash. — Protest actions will take place across Washington this weekend and into early February as organizers respond to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minnesota that killed two U.S. citizens.
Organizers have scheduled demonstrations across the state including Blaine, Bellingham, and Olympia. Together, the actions reflect growing concern over federal immigration enforcement tactics and the use of force.
Minnesota ICE operations drive national response
Earlier this month, ICE agents killed Alex Pretti in Minnesota while he filmed ICE operations on his phone, according to state officials. In addition, agents shot and killed Renee Good on Jan. 7 during a separate operation.
As a result, protests erupted nationwide. At the same time, civil rights advocates renewed calls for limits on ICE authority, tighter oversight, and stronger constitutional safeguards.
Washington leaders respond forcefully
This week, Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown addressed the Minnesota operations during a joint press conference. During the event, both leaders criticized a Department of Homeland Security memo that directs ICE agents to use force to enter homes without judicial warrants.
“ICE is completely and totally out of control,” Ferguson said.
Moreover, Ferguson said Washington is preparing for the possibility that ICE could escalate similar operations in the state.
“As angry as we are, Attorney General Brown and I are focused on preparing, to the fullest extent possible, for a similar escalation by ICE here — against our will — in Washington state,” Ferguson said.
State prepares for possible escalation
Ferguson said the state will act aggressively to reduce harm and protect residents if federal enforcement expands.
“We are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to mitigate harms inflicted by ICE and protect all Washingtonians,” he said.
At the same time, Ferguson encouraged residents to engage peacefully.
“We all have agency in defending our democracy,” he said. “We all have a responsibility to speak out and assist our fellow Washingtonians.”
Attorney general raises constitutional concerns
Meanwhile, Brown said the federal presence in Minnesota has made communities less safe.
“Right now, Minnesota is less safe because of the federal presence in that state,” Brown said.
According to Brown, the operations have weakened the country and caused widespread trauma.
“America is weaker because of the operations in Minnesota,” he said. “Real people all across this country are now traumatized, injured, and dead.”
Brown also accused federal leaders of ignoring constitutional limits.
“What we’re seeing right now coming from Washington, D.C., is motivated by hate and bias,” Brown said. “It is guided by the whims of the president — not the facts, not the courts, and certainly not the United States Constitution.”
Although state officials cannot block ICE deployments, they said Washington will continue to challenge what it views as illegal federal conduct.
Protests scheduled across Washington
In Whatcom County, the Peace, Love, and a Handshake group organizers plan a rally Saturday, Jan. 31, from noon to 2 p.m. at Peace Arch Park in Blaine. According to event materials, the rally will focus on constitutional rights and cross-border solidarity.
Later that day, another group of organizers plan a second protest at Lakeway Drive and Lincoln Street in Bellingham. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m., according to public listings.
Meanwhile, organizers have also called for a nationwide economic blackout on Friday, Jan. 30. During the blackout, participants plan to avoid work and shopping.
Capitol action planned in Olympia
Next week, protesters plan a large demonstration Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Olympia. Organizers intend to occupy Capitol Way South during Law and Justice Day.
That event draws law enforcement leaders and lawmakers from across Washington to the Capitol.
What residents should expect
Because of the locations, authorities expect increased law enforcement presence near protest sites. So far, officials have not announced closures. However, they advise drivers to expect traffic delays near the Peace Arch and Capitol campus.
Organizers, for their part, have urged participants to protest peacefully.
Stay tuned for more PNW Daily coverage in the Pacific Northwest.
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