In the Northwest of the nation, the Washington Immigration Reform Coalition (WIRC) is joining in on the escalation of civil disobedience to push for immigration reform. There is widespread frustration that we are approaching the end of May without a viable bill for comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate, and toward unresponsive local politicians, like Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, and Rep. Doc Hastings, for not taking a stand on the issue.
Yesterday, in Seattle, WA, over 250 people from different ages and ethnicity gathered in front of the federal building around 11 a.m. They then proceeded to march and block the elevator entrances of a 43-floor skyscraper that houses the downtown Seattle offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Inside and outside the building, people chanted and demanded an end to the separation of families. Those assembled included One America Executive Director Pramila Jayapal, El Centro de la Raza Executive Director Estela Ortega, and Seattle City Councilman Larry Gossett, who were willing and hoping to get arrested to bring attention to the cause. "I'm willing to take the risk because of the importance of the issue," said Gossett.
It was inspiring to see faith leaders, union members, veterans, teachers, lawyers, and community members united and committed to fighting and being a voice for many families, workers, and students who are being oppressed by a system that tolerated them, used them, and thinks it can now dispose of without any consequences.
The Seattle Police department refused to stop the blockade, which made the protesters take their action to the streets. Even after blocking three busy intersection, the Police Department did not proceed with arrests and instead strategically re-directed traffic. Around 1:40 p.m., the protest ended without any arrests.
Protesters told a reporter from KING5 news that they are planning another demonstration in a couple of weeks and that will bank on the element of surprise. The crowd cheered in response to a call by OneAmerica Executive Director Pramila Jayapal to "continue the escalation and civil disobedience, continuing to demand that Obama and Congress pay attention to the human suffering happening to millions across the country."