News Release:
Friday, June 13, 2025
For Immediate Release
June 12, 2025
Media contact: media@aclu-wa.org
Spokane, WA – Officers in Spokane arrested 30 people at a June 11 protest against unjust immigration enforcement. The demonstrations were in response to the detention of two immigrants and coincided with national unrest against the Trump administration’s unjust immigration policies. Videos online show law enforcement throwing alleged smoke grenades at a group of peaceful protesters.
Jazmyn Clark, smart justice policy program director for the ACLU of Washington, had the following statement:
“We condemn the actions by law enforcement at Wednesday’s protest of unjust immigration enforcement policies in Spokane. Whether it was smoke grenades, pepper balls, or other so called “less-lethal” weapons, the effect is the same: these tactics escalate conflict, chill free speech, and inflict real harm. Protesters have a clear constitutional right to gather and publicly criticize government action. The use of chemical agents, impact munitions, and aggressive tactics against largely peaceful protestors is not only dangerous, it undermines public trust and suppresses dissent. Police should be protecting rights, not relying on force or inciting fear and chaos. We stand in solidarity with protesters and asylum seekers who are advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and safety. We call for full transparency from Spokane officials, including the release of bodycam footage, use-of-force reports and any other reviews of police misconduct at the protest.”
The ACLU of Washington has sent a formal letter to City officials ahead of this weekend’s planned demonstrations, calling for restraint, transparency, and the protection of protesters’ constitutional rights.
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June 12, 2025
Media contact: media@aclu-wa.org
Spokane, WA – Officers in Spokane arrested 30 people at a June 11 protest against unjust immigration enforcement. The demonstrations were in response to the detention of two immigrants and coincided with national unrest against the Trump administration’s unjust immigration policies. Videos online show law enforcement throwing alleged smoke grenades at a group of peaceful protesters.
Jazmyn Clark, smart justice policy program director for the ACLU of Washington, had the following statement:
“We condemn the actions by law enforcement at Wednesday’s protest of unjust immigration enforcement policies in Spokane. Whether it was smoke grenades, pepper balls, or other so called “less-lethal” weapons, the effect is the same: these tactics escalate conflict, chill free speech, and inflict real harm. Protesters have a clear constitutional right to gather and publicly criticize government action. The use of chemical agents, impact munitions, and aggressive tactics against largely peaceful protestors is not only dangerous, it undermines public trust and suppresses dissent. Police should be protecting rights, not relying on force or inciting fear and chaos. We stand in solidarity with protesters and asylum seekers who are advocating for fair treatment, dignity, and safety. We call for full transparency from Spokane officials, including the release of bodycam footage, use-of-force reports and any other reviews of police misconduct at the protest.”
The ACLU of Washington has sent a formal letter to City officials ahead of this weekend’s planned demonstrations, calling for restraint, transparency, and the protection of protesters’ constitutional rights.
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