A wave of student voices carried across Spokane this weekend as dozens gathered for a student-led “ICE Out” protest, marching from Franklin Park to B.A. Clark Park in a show of solidarity and much-needed optimism.
Organized largely by local high school students, the march was weeks in the making. Student organizers said planning began in early February, building on the success of a previous student walkout on January 13. Many participants said they are already looking ahead to Saturday’s “No Kings” third national mobilization, where they plan to show up again.
The sunny weather made it easy for families and community members to join in as they filled the sidewalks, chanting and carrying handmade signs.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, groups of friends laughed between chants while others rested on park benches, soaking up the sun.
Taking a break after standing for hours, Maddie McGee sat with Mac McGee and friend Chris Skogley on a bench slightly removed from the main crowd.
“We’re here because the children in our communities are not safe,” Maddie McGee said. “I’m Indigenous. I feel like white people shouldn’t have the right to kick someone else off of land. You shouldn’t even be on it. I think everyone deserves to be here.”
McGee added that their presence was also personal. “I’m here because my Nana couldn’t protest, even 30 years ago. She died when pow-wow was still illegal.”
Nearby, other participants echoed a similar sense of shared responsibility. One anonymous protester, holding a sign they picked up at an earlier location kept their message simple.
“Everyone is in the same boat,” they said. “I like to come out when I know events like this are happening because I know representation matters.”
For many students, the protest was as much about community as it was about policy.
Kylia Holt, who said she learned about the event through Spokane Stand Up on Facebook, described how her perspective has shifted since moving to the area.
“Moving here and being surrounded by people who are caught up in immigration makes me more connected,” Holt said. “I feel like it is important for us young people to get this message out and be in solidarity with other generations. It’s so important that we come together.”
Annie Rommie, who arrived with Holt, said her reasons for attending were deeply personal.
“My family is part of the Haitian community,” Rommie said. “I have a lot of family who are being affected by the policies. I feel like part of me wants to start fighting for others. If I’m capable, I try to help. ”
At the center of the event were student organizers like Ava Swigart, a senior at Lewis and Clark High School, who helped bring the march together alongside other students from across Spokane.
As Swigart spoke with friends and fellow students, a passing vehicle revving their engine and waving a Confederate flag briefly cut through the moment. The group watched quietly as it sped by.
Responding to the loud interruption, Swigart stated a message they would give to those who disagree with their beliefs: “It’s important to remember that we are all people too.”
Sonny Naipo, also a Lewis and Clark senior, agreed, emphasizing that the issue should rise above political divisions.
“This should never have been a partisan issue,” Naipo said. “It does not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat.”
Adalyn Torres added, “This isn’t a political issue anymore. It’s a humanity issue. We all need to exercise more empathy.”
For some students, the protest was also a continuation of years of involvement in protests.
Rai Barker, a senior at Lewis and Clark High School, said they were encouraged to attend by Swigart. Barker said they first attended a protest in 2016 at just eight years old.
“I could do more, and that’s why I’m here,” Barker said. “I hope that more people come. We’re trying to prove that we need to love people even if they’re not here legally. ”
