VIDEO: Pro-immigrant march in West Seattle

(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)

2:36 PM: Hundreds of protesters are marching along the Alki Trail right now, demonstrating against the ongoing ICE raids around the country. Word of a Sunday afternoon Alki protest circulated on social media, a reader told us, but we couldn’t confirm until this sighting.

They’re marching east/northbound in one large group (which we pulled over to photograph) and a few smaller groups, all on the trail, none in traffic lanes.

One police car was on the other side, apparently monitoring; we had heard an FYI broadcast on SPD radio, at the time described as “about a dozen.”

(Added: Photo sent by Kris)

Some demonstrators are in cars, hoisting Mexican and American flags, and signs – one just went by with a sign, NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND.

(Added: Video sent by Stewart L.)
3:12 PM: Just caught up with demonstrators’ rally at the north/west end of Don Armeni. The message was pro-immigrant; signs included SEEKING SAFETY IS NOT A CRIME. Now some of the protesters are marching back, on the trail, to the beach. Thanks to those who’ve sent photos and video; we’re headed back to HQ to add more.

(Added: Photo by David Hutchinson, near marchers’ starting point at Alki Beach)

3:20 PM: Pulled over at Harbor Ave 7-11 to report that an even larger group is now marching back west/north along Harbor. Some are in the parking lane. Signs include IMMIGRANTS BUILT AMERICA.

5:40 PM: Readers report that some of the marchers went back to Alki, and photos/video show them marching in the street in the business district:

(Video sent by David Hutchinson)

In David Hutchinson’s video, you can hear a car revving loudly – he says that’s what factored into this car fire he photographed at 59th/Alki (we listened back to archived scanner audio, and SFD reported the fire out before they got to it):

The next three photos are from Bucky Hayes-McQueen, who was on Alki Avenue between 3:30 pm and 5:10 pm:

ADDED 9:11 PM: We asked SPD, since they had been monitoring the march/rally, if they had any reports of trouble. Here’s the summary we just received:

At 1341 hours, patrol officers responded to reports of a small demonstration at 59th Avenue Southwest and Alki Avenue Southwest. Officers and a Sergeant responded to the scene to monitor. The demonstration grew to 200-300 people and more than 50+ vehicles. The demonstration was peaceful, and no crimes of violence or property damage occurred. There were just noise nuisances and minor traffic disruption. The on-duty LT responded to the scene and monitored the demonstration.

97 Replies to "VIDEO: Pro-immigrant march in West Seattle"

  • Derek February 2, 2025 (3:07 pm)

    In solidarity 🇲🇽🇲🇽 

  • AO February 2, 2025 (3:08 pm)

    Solidarity with these protesters and anyone else who’s been targeted by the new administration. Awful how much damage has been done in two weeks.

    • Westhead February 2, 2025 (4:03 pm)

      As a second generation American of Latin American descent, I’m not sure what damage you’re talking about. 

      • Johnny Stulic February 2, 2025 (5:57 pm)

        As a first generation American of European descent, ask me about it if you’re ignorant of history, geopolitics, economics, and pretty much everything else like your Dear Leader.

      • AO February 2, 2025 (6:19 pm)

        Refer to all of the signs in the post up there ^^

      • alkiannie February 2, 2025 (6:36 pm)

        Westhead,  I am also second generation American of Latin American descent; I’m not sure if you are trolling, truly ignorant, or have been without media or human contact for the past 3 weeks.

      • Mike February 2, 2025 (6:44 pm)

        This is more of an admission of ignorance over anything else.  The shuddering of federal employees, Musk’s shakedowns, and the executive orders to walk back things that made life better for everyone are worth researching.

      • es February 2, 2025 (7:55 pm)

        embarrassing 

      • Admiral Mom February 2, 2025 (8:07 pm)

        As a second generation American also of Latin descent who holds a PhD in US history from an Ivy League….you’re what’s wrong with this world and an embarrassment to the culture. Your statement is a true testament to the toxicity of privilege and internalized racism. 

      • Dave February 2, 2025 (8:29 pm)

        Read the news and see what’s going on.  

      • Doug Holland February 3, 2025 (2:43 am)

        Dad, is that you? Turn down the Fox News, I can’t hear you…

  • Lauren February 2, 2025 (3:32 pm)

    Would love to learn what networks people are tapped into to learn about these types of events ahead of time

    • Chet February 2, 2025 (5:02 pm)

      It was posted on tiktok but vague, so people still weren’t sure.Some of these are new groups sprouting up and still trying to organize.

    • CatBBoc February 5, 2025 (12:09 pm)

      Would also like to know…where can I get connected? 

  • Solidarity February 2, 2025 (3:36 pm)

    Did a particular organization put this together?  I would have loved to have known about it in advance in order to join.

  • Tim V February 2, 2025 (3:38 pm)

    Love and solidarity. 

  • B February 2, 2025 (3:44 pm)

    Reform of Legal Immigration to make the process more affordable & faster is what America needs. 

    • PG February 2, 2025 (4:45 pm)

      Agreed

    • Love Alki February 3, 2025 (8:55 am)

      Agree, immigration reform is needed, not scare tactics and bullying. I wish these politicians would STOP grandstanding and pass bills that improve immigration, legalize dreamers, deport violent offenders but leave families who contribute to our communities alone, and find a path for them to stay. 

  • Eli February 2, 2025 (3:44 pm)

    Seeing this in my neighborhood gives me hope. Thank you WSB for covering. 🇺🇸🇲🇽🇸🇻🇻🇪

  • Ariel February 2, 2025 (3:47 pm)

    This protest was a beautiful surprise. Thank you to everyone who marched and drove with flags.

    • RD February 2, 2025 (4:49 pm)

      Same! Glad to see people standing up and making voices heard. 

  • WSOwl February 2, 2025 (4:15 pm)

    Deport Trump!

  • North Admiral February 2, 2025 (4:19 pm)

    As the child of immigrant parents, I would love to see some USA flags in that march.  While holding strong to our culture, my parents recognized the opportunity this country could provide that their homeland could not; including the ability to peacefully gather and speak out.Si se puede!

    • 1994 February 2, 2025 (11:04 pm)

      There were some USA flags alongside the Mexican flags! And, as in one photo above Photo by David Hutchinson, there were a number of a combined US/Mexican flags. I loved the sign one person had that read “Our parents are working harder than your president”. 

  • Robin February 2, 2025 (4:21 pm)

    These comments are passing the vibe check (so far). Solidarity on this stolen land.

    • Jordan February 3, 2025 (8:31 am)

      For anyone wondering how Trump got re-elected, this comment captures it perfectly. It’s exactly how the Democratic Party continues to lose elections it shouldn’t. 

  • HopeNotHate February 2, 2025 (4:30 pm)

    This protest brought tears to my eyes. It’s easy to give into the hopelessness but these bright souls snapped me out of my fear paralysis. I promise to be at the next one. My favorite sign today: “Don’t bite the hands that feed you.” 

    • Salt February 3, 2025 (9:52 pm)

      Same here.  I noticed that same sign and mentioned it to coworkers today!

  • Alki Mom February 2, 2025 (4:30 pm)

    We unknowingly ended up behind the suv with flags flying and proudly honked along with my little boy holding heart hands 🫶 out the window for everyone marching. It’s a beautiful thing to see so many people peacefully coming together 🇲🇽 We will proudly stand with you.

  • Bobonalki February 2, 2025 (4:42 pm)

    Gotta say it’s getting a bit sketchy down onAlki Ave right now.  Very loud.  Very uncontrollable.  

    • Rose February 2, 2025 (4:50 pm)

      It’s loud, but peaceful. Power to the people! 

    • RD February 2, 2025 (4:52 pm)

      I am on Alki Ave and there is nothing sketchy or uncontrollable happening. Just people exercising their rights. 

      • Jay February 3, 2025 (2:01 pm)

        A certain type of Alki resident will say that anything and everything is sketchy. They  want it to be a private beach.

    • WSB February 2, 2025 (4:52 pm)

      I just got a call from someone saying there’s a group still gathered near the Statue of Liberty. I’ve been off the desk for the past 40 minutes, not hearing any emergency-radio traffic right now but will check the archives.

    • Rose February 2, 2025 (5:09 pm)

      It’s loud, but quieting down now. Power to the people. 

    • WS Res February 2, 2025 (6:17 pm)

      Found the cop!

    • Peter February 2, 2025 (6:53 pm)

      Found the xenophobic racist!

    • dave February 2, 2025 (8:28 pm)

      Oh please! 

  • Michelle February 2, 2025 (5:02 pm)

    I’m so happy to see this! If I’d known, I would have joined. Sending solidarity. 

  • WS B February 2, 2025 (5:14 pm)

    This was an impressive demonstration and organized well. Keep up the good fight! 

  • John February 2, 2025 (5:20 pm)

    I heard that a vehicle may have caught fire is that accurate?

    • WSB February 2, 2025 (6:35 pm)

      Added that to the story. Excess revving, reports David Hutchinson, who was there. Out before SFD even got there, not a big fire.

  • A February 2, 2025 (5:22 pm)

    I try so hard to find out about these things ahead of time so I can go, but most of the time I still only find out when it’s already happening. There should be once central mailing list you can get on so you don’t have to hunt info down.Solidarity with the protestors!

    • Kersti Muul February 3, 2025 (11:07 am)

    • alkiannie February 3, 2025 (1:14 pm)

      To be fair, in light of the fact that they may be deported or harassed, humans with brown skin might not show up to something widely publicized. Not publicizing it widely may be best for their safety — and they still managed to get the word out. So, mission accomplished in my mind and no criticism for the lack of advanced notice. 

  • Kt February 2, 2025 (5:35 pm)

    I saw a Free Little Library today near westwood village that had cards in 10 different languages with an 800# to report any ICE activity you see.    You can also report activity at this website https://padlet.com/PeopleoverPapers/people-over-papers-anonymous-an-nimo-lf0l47ljszbto2uj

  • Matt G. February 2, 2025 (5:45 pm)

    Funny how there they are not waving US flags. The only illegal aliens who have been arrested by ICE in Washington since President Trump took office have been rapists, sex offenders, drug dealers and murderers… so are they saying that theses people SHOULD stay in the US? 

    • ProfK February 4, 2025 (3:24 pm)

      You are sorely misinformed. 

  • GoodGodItsAGoose February 2, 2025 (5:56 pm)

    So glad to see this happen. It caught me off guard but I’m glad I checked it out. Really happy to see people standing up for what they believe in. Keep it up! 💜

  • Ed February 2, 2025 (6:00 pm)

    Great event. But it could be in a more organized fashion and one that is less intrusive to the community. Whole afternoon of non stop honking, car engine revving and dangerous driving. 

    • WS Res February 3, 2025 (8:21 am)

      Agreed; it’s very important that protests not disrupt anything. They should be much less visible. Perhaps they could be done somewhere else, like inside people’s homes.

    • alkiannie February 3, 2025 (1:17 pm)

      I have second hand embarrassment from “Ed”‘s comment. Yes, so sorry you were disrupted for a few hours with honking when people are afraid their children will be stuffed into a van and sent to a country they’ve never known simply because their parents sought a better, Ed. Check yourself, sir. 

  • Ss February 2, 2025 (6:10 pm)

    Just the tonic I needed. Do no go gentle into that good night! 

  • Admiral-2009 February 2, 2025 (6:18 pm)

    B – agreed, the immigration system needs to be reformed.  My wife immigrated to the US via proper channels and it’s important to ensure these channels are adhered to.  

    People need to be protesting the ill advised Tariffs that are going to wreak havoc on the economy and raise costs, aka INFLATION, on consumers.  Trade wars hurt everyone!

    • GoodGodItsAGoose February 2, 2025 (6:38 pm)

      You’re so right! There’s a lot of issues we need to protest against, those including tariffs! If we don’t start tackling issues now, they’ll keep piling up until we’re unable to maintain a society, then it’ll tear us apart! There’s a lot of things that have gone wrong recently, and more things that have been underlying issues for decades. There needs to be more protests!

    • Null February 2, 2025 (7:06 pm)

      Hey Admiral, I am sure you were out there protesting the last administrations spending and printing money spree,  continuing endless wars which contributed to where we are with our current inflation problems.

    • jacob February 2, 2025 (7:25 pm)

      “proper channels” except most white people here are on stolen land from their ancestors and borders are fake

    • k February 2, 2025 (7:43 pm)

      For this commenter and anyone else who hasn’t been watching the news these last couple weeks, they are deporting many, many people who immigrated via “proper channels” too.  

  • Darren February 2, 2025 (7:59 pm)

    If the state continues to not follow the law then federal funds will be withheld and we will all suffer (needlessly).

  • Gay February 2, 2025 (8:26 pm)

    Let’s open all the borders and live in peace.  Imagine.  That.  We can do it.  Stay positive people.  T.his administration will fail, as we see.  I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life to be a US citizen.Eventually we must all live as one and stop this hate.  I’ve lived in many countries and never was I treated with this hostility and toxic aggression.  Hang on people.  We have the power and we will overcome.  Organize!  And let us know about these events, Tracy R.  You are wonderful.

  • George February 3, 2025 (5:17 am)

    No one is saying that immigration is wrong.All we are saying is that from now on you have to declare yourself. Why you ask? The world is a dangerous place with dangerous people. Do not forget 9/11. How many life’s where lost? We the people are trying to protect the weak and innocent who can not protect themselves. Please remember that it not the family looking for safe place to live that gets turned away. We are looking for the dangerous people who want to bring harm and terror to are communities so that tragedies like 9/11 never happened again. Is the system perfect? No. We have to do it for the greater good. Weapons are to powerful these days. It’s not like we are talking about bows and arrows here.

    • Bbron February 3, 2025 (12:35 pm)

      9/11 hijackers were on a tourist visa… ain’t no connection between terrorism and “illegal” immigration. empirically, undocumented folks end up committing violent crime at a lesser rate than US citizens, so…

      • k February 3, 2025 (2:49 pm)

        Not to mention they’re pretty much just rounding up the law-abiding immigrants, who have addresses on file with ICE (as they’re supposed to) because they’re low-hanging fruit and the administration is more worried about numbers and optics.  The actual criminals are harder to find, and aren’t the focus of the raids.

    • alkiannie February 3, 2025 (1:25 pm)

      George, I have a challenge for you. Try to go a week without consuming any news from  Fox  or similar news channels. You are repeating their talking points in a way that makes me sad; it’s clear that you aren’t taking in reputable information and making your own choices.  It’s like an echo chamber. Let’s talk about violence and the fact that:Studies from the Cato Institute, National Academy of Sciences, and Pew Research Center indicate that both documented and undocumented immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans.Most violent crime in the U.S. is committed by native-born citizens, not immigrants. These are indisputable facts that you will not hear on Fox News. Fascist regimes use fear of immigrants to unite people against a common enemy, blaming them for economic hardship, crime, and security threats. This scapegoating distracts from systemic failures and justifies repressive policies, weakening democratic institutions and consolidating authoritarian power.

    • Jay February 3, 2025 (2:02 pm)

      Nearly 100% of terrorism since 9/11 has been white conservative christian men. If anyone needs to be scrutinized it’s them.

  • James February 3, 2025 (5:58 am)

    Peacefully protesting for legal immigration is great!  Currently, ICE is detaining the most dangerous of criminals living in the United States.  I’m all for sending them back to their countries of origin.  So far, Obama has deported more people than Trump.  By the way my sister lives in Central Mexico.  I’m a 3rd generation Mexican American who grew up in the 70’s and recalls the “La Migra” sending people back.  

    • Bbron February 3, 2025 (12:31 pm)

      What about remembering the 80s when Reagan granted everyone asylum? also, ICE has been detaining and harassing US citizens and Native Americans, so no, they aren’t just “getting the bad guys”. They’ve championed deporting whole families regardless of immigration status, taking away birthright citizenship, and deporting anyone they ID no matter if they’re a working, contributing member of their community.

  • Ivan Weiss February 3, 2025 (7:59 am)

    Immigration has made the United States of America a great country, and it will continue to do so, no matter what the present “administration” or its lackeys say or do or think or feel. Moreover, immigration has shaped world civilization, from the dawn of recorded history and beyond, as archaeology and DNA inform us. This recent essay, by the New York Times’ excellent Lydia Polgreen, provides some necessary context, and I encourage everyone to read it.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/31/opinion/trump-migration-world.html

    • Watertowerjim February 3, 2025 (9:09 am)

      No one is against immigration.  You know that.

      • k February 3, 2025 (9:46 am)

        I mean, trying to de-naturalize citizens and mass deport everyone who was born in another country seems pretty anti-immigration to me, but what do I know?

      • Gay February 3, 2025 (11:14 am)

        Wrong.  Many people are.

    • B February 3, 2025 (9:50 am)

      Romanticizing illegal immigration does no one any favors.  America is a beautiful melting pot of so many wonderful people from all corners of the world. The Awesome Super Heroes are the Good Brave people who take the time to come to our country LEGALLY.  The Legal pathway should be streamlined but illegal criminal unvetted desperate trespass must be stopped.  

      • Bbron February 3, 2025 (12:25 pm)

        ain’t no such thing as illegal immigration on stolen land, brother.

        • B February 4, 2025 (11:49 am)

          Sorry, Buddy. Sneaking across international boarders is not good for anyone.  It empowers & emboldens criminal activity & smuggling. People need to America through a port of entry & get papers.  Legal immigration is safe & better for everyone. 

      • alkiannie February 3, 2025 (1:29 pm)

        We will save more lives by addressing plethora of guns falling into the hands of American born white male children who are heading into schools and shooting children and school employees. Most violent crime in the U.S. is committed by native-born citizens, not immigrants. Focus on the real source of crime, people. 

        • Scarlett February 4, 2025 (7:53 am)

          Another empirical “fact” from the right-wing CATO Institutue, otherwise known for opposing a minimum wage, that has been questioned.   Why are you and others so quick to thrown native-born Americans under the bus?  Because moral self-aggrandizement is the insatiable opiate. 

          • Bbron February 4, 2025 (9:19 am)

            so you’re of the belief that undocumented immigrants are causing more crime?

  • The truth February 3, 2025 (9:30 am)

    Americans don’t want sanctuary cities, counties or states. Nobody in America ever got to vote about sanctuary status. Crooked politicians are skimming the cream of illegal alien assistance programs while taxpayers suffer. 

  • Westoletheircountry! February 3, 2025 (10:23 am)

    The truth and the history of the matter is:  WE  STOLE  California, New Mexico and Texas(at a minimum) from Mexicans, who were residing there long before us white people showed up and took their land (as we did to Indians:  stole their land as well)  it is totally not OK to be removing hard-working good people like most Mexicans are. Yes get rid of the criminals and gang members…. but in general, we definitely owe them plus most Mexican people I have known are quality people that make this country better.(

    • Actually Mike February 3, 2025 (12:24 pm)

      But, but… If we got rid of criminals and gang members? Who would be our President??

  • AK February 3, 2025 (11:09 am)

    I love my community! This was awesome!

  • Kersti Muul February 3, 2025 (11:09 am)

    Here you go 

    • WSB February 3, 2025 (11:28 am)

      Someone asked about this – I have not found a listing for Seattle, just Olympia, so far.

      • k February 3, 2025 (11:35 am)

        This particular protest is capital cities in each state.  It would be a separate (but probably related) event if there is one in Seattle on the same day.  Organizers weren’t thinking about the big states, hehe.  

        • WSB February 3, 2025 (12:27 pm)

          I know, but the person who emailed us was specifically wondering if – as with the People’s March a couple weekends ago – there was a Seattle spinoff.

  • 22blades February 3, 2025 (1:45 pm)

    “Our” government has made a mockery of the Statue of Liberty that sits on our shores & the words inscribed on it. 600,000 Venezuelans followed the law as we asked them to. Just like the europeans that fled here. We welcomed them only to kick them out. With that. “our” government has made a mockery of Lady Justice & all that she stands for. A cornerstone of a so called “civilized society”.

    • Brandon February 3, 2025 (6:08 pm)

      The statue of liberty’s poem is just that. A poem. Not the law of the land and and definitely not what the statue stands for. Context matters, because if anything, people believing she stands for it make a mockery our of history. It was a dedication for a fundraising effort and the author was politically motivated, and look how it’s turned out. People willing to ignore the actual laws of the nation because of a plaque. Is the sentiment bad? Of course not, it’s just not how this works.

      • 22blades February 4, 2025 (4:05 am)

        Never said it was law. It’s a mirror of who we are & you just cracked it. Maybe that’s a little too nuanced for you. I’m sorry you love to hate so much.

  • Rhonda February 3, 2025 (1:46 pm)

    My husband and I are both immigrants. But our families waited our turn through the proper channels to come here LEGALLY. I’m sure ferry riders waiting on Fauntleroy don’t appreciate seeing someone cut in line after they’ve been waiting in front of Lincoln Park for 45 minutes. Deporting violent criminals who are here illegally opens up prison space for other violent criminals. It also prevents them from preying on hard-working, law-abiding undocumented immigrants. 

  • Chaz February 3, 2025 (4:59 pm)

    I think people are right. Now is the time. It took Trump to bring it all together. The people will unite against the past injustices. The U.S.A. will really live up to the words on the Statue of Liberty. I sense we will see a future real soon when Hawaii and Puerto Rico are freed. Cuba will be given back its land (Gitmo). First Nations people will be given back their land (to include Seattle). I know some of you are afraid but know that if we are the ones that do it we will be able to stay on this land. They will show us kindness they were not shown. We need to vacate the bases overseas. We need to unite with Mexico and Canada. We will be a shining city on the hill. An example to the world. This will happen. Viva America. Viva all of North America. 

  • Watertowerjim February 4, 2025 (6:10 am)

    Who’s not pro “immigrant”, exactly?

  • Scarlett February 4, 2025 (5:00 pm)

    My feelings on illegal immigration are somewhat more restrained and cautious.   I don’t confer “martyrdom” or “sainthood”  anyone simply because they slipped across the border looking for economic opportunity, and most are in this category.  I will treat them with respect and dignity, i will fight to protect their rights to due process even as illegal immigrants, and appreciate their contributions,  but I don’t assume they share my values, my and concern about a grotesquely unequal economic system and a frightening era of fascism that we are now witnessing.  If their entire purpose is a nice car, a nice home, and they dream about becoming a Musk or Bezo’s, I have little in common with them.  

  • Peter S. February 7, 2025 (12:11 pm)

    Decidedly late to this party, and I’ll probably get some blowback, but perhaps some food for thought: Several posters have claimed that those of us already here
    have no right to complain about immigration, because many of us are the ancestors
    of people who “stole” this land from the Native Americans.  It’s not a perfect comparison, but certainly
    a point worth considering.Native Americans would’ve been much better served by pushing
    the original Colonists back into the sea. 
    Instead, or so we were taught in school, they embraced the newcomers and
    threw a celebratory feast.  What began as
    a trickle of intrepid souls became a flood of humanity.  The newcomers brought technological
    innovations, such as firearms, which allowed Native Americans to be more
    efficient hunters.  And, to more
    efficiently kill each other.  The newcomers
    brought alcohol, so that Native Americans could more effectively poison
    themselves.  The newcomers brought hitherto
    unknown diseases that Native Americans had no defenses against, which decimated
    entire populations.  The newcomers forced
    Native Americans onto parcels of land the newcomers deemed undesirable, and which
    were insufficient to support their way of life. 
    Their children were taken from them, forced to forsake their culture, and
    learn an alien one.  Migration has been part of humanity since we learned to walk
    on two legs.  Immigration brings new
    ideas, new cultures, and new genetic material, which enriches us and makes us
    stronger.  Uncontrolled immigration, which
    is in essence an invasion, rarely if ever goes well for the existing
    inhabitants.  Anywhere on the
    planet.  Be they people or wildlife.   

    Santayana wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are
    condemned to repeat it.”  Certainly, our
    existing immigration policies could stand improvement and an overhaul, but is the
    “stolen land” argument really the one you want to highlight to support your
    take on unfettered immigration?

    • interesting February 7, 2025 (1:25 pm)

      Peter, these are really good points and food for thought, thank you for posting.

  • Peter S. February 7, 2025 (1:16 pm)

    Apologies for the above crappy formatting.  I furiously tried to fix it, but the editing clock timed out on me. 

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