On a day marked by shifting skies in Seattle, voices rose in unison against the policies of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), echoing the rallying cry, “Families belong together.” The morning had greeted the city with snowfall, but by the time the protest began, the sun had broken through, casting a sharp light on the determined crowd gathered in solidarity.
Despite the earlier snow, the streets of Alki remained clear, with no snow on the ground—a striking contrast to the wintry backdrop seen elsewhere in the city. As a journalist, I rode King County Metro’s #50 bus, arriving at the protest around 2:38 p.m., ready to capture the spirit of the day through photos and videos.
On this Feb. 2 day, the clear streets reflected the sunlight, creating a vivid canvas for the colorful flags waving proudly and the bold signs carried high. Chants filled the air: “¡Sí se puede! ¡Viva México!” These words, powerful and unapologetic, blended with the rhythmic beats of songs blasting from cars, creating an atmosphere that felt both celebratory and urgent.
A notable anthem that energized the crowd was YG’s 2016 protest song featuring Nipsey Hussle, “FDT (F*** Donald Trump).” The track, known for its candid criticism of the now reelected second term President Donald Trump of the United States Of America, echoed through the crowd, becoming both a battle cry and a unifying force. Its unfiltered message and compelling beat amplified the day’s sentiments, reinforcing the collective call for justice and reform.
The diversity of the crowd was striking—families, students, activists, and allies from different backgrounds stood shoulder to shoulder, bundled in winter coats despite the brief warmth of the sun. It wasn’t just a protest; it was a testament to the strength found in solidarity. Amidst the passionate chants, I overheard comments that reflected the biases the protest sought to dismantle. Two young women, seemingly unaware of the significance of the flags around them, made dismissive remarks. Their ignorance served as a stark reminder of why gatherings like this are vital—to educate, to resist, and to amplify voices often silenced.
On my journey to the protest, I encountered a man and woman on the bus, the man carrying a small blade on his hip. Though initially concerning, their presence remained peaceful, reflecting the non-violent spirit that defined the entire demonstration. Suspicion faded into insignificance as the crowd’s message of unity overshadowed any momentary doubts.
The day wasn’t without unexpected drama. A young woman’s Audi hatchback, revved with such intensity, caught fire despite the cool, dry pavement. But even in this moment of chaos, the spirit of community prevailed. Fellow protesters rushed to help, extinguishing the flames quickly. The only casualty of the day was the Audi, but the resilience and care shown in that moment embodied the heart of the protest—people looking out for one another, regardless of circumstance.
As the protest continued, the chants grew louder, fueled by determination and hope. By the time the crowd began to disperse, snowflakes had started falling again, as if nature itself punctuated the day’s events with quiet reflection. This wasn’t just about opposing ICE; it was about affirming the humanity and dignity of every person, regardless of where they come from.
The Seattle protest, set against the dynamic backdrop of snow, sun, and clear streets, was a vivid reminder that in the face of injustice, communities will rise—not with violence, but with voices, hearts, and an unyielding demand for justice.