Protesters Block Seattle Immigration Court Exits Over ICE Deportation Opposition

Around 50 protesters gathered outside the Seattle immigration court at the Federal Office Building to demonstrate against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deportations, showing solidarity with nationwide protests sparked by immigration raids in Los Angeles. The demonstrators chanted slogans, beat drums, and held signs such as “Free Them All; Abolish ICE” and “No to Deportations,” while some placed rental scooters and bikes to block multiple exits of the building, temporarily preventing ICE officers from transporting detained immigrants. Department of Homeland Security officers repeatedly emerged to dismantle these barricades, leading to a tense but largely peaceful standoff that lasted several hours. Legal observers and media were denied entry to the immigration court, which is usually open to the public, with authorities providing no specific explanation. Seattle police monitored the protest, temporarily closed nearby streets, and later reduced their presence while reopening roads, cautioning the public about protesters potentially occupying traffic lanes. This demonstration is part of a broader wave of anti-ICE protests across the U.S., with additional rallies planned in Seattle and other cities.