Hundreds Gather for Hour‑Long Peaceful Rally On Monday evening, roughly 300 demonstrators assembled outside Seattle’s federal building on Second Avenue, forming a crowd described as “hundreds” by police and organizers [1]. The gathering lasted about an hour, remained non‑violent, and no arrests were reported, according to the King5 report [1]. Organizers announced the event less than 24 hours in advance, framing it as part of a larger push to influence upcoming Senate spending legislation [1]. Live music and speeches filled the space, creating a non‑march atmosphere while participants continued chanting “ICE out” throughout the hour [1].

Protesters Urge Senators Murray and Cantwell to Block ICE Money Demonstrators explicitly called on Washington’s two Democratic senators to vote against any additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection in the Senate’s spending bill [1]. They chanted “ICE out” and held signs demanding a “no‑dollar” stance, linking the funding request to recent federal‑agent violence [1]. The rally’s messaging emphasized that even a single dollar would legitimize what speakers described as “cruelty” toward immigrant families [1]. Organizers hoped the public pressure would translate into a concrete vote when the bill reaches the Senate floor [1].

City‑Wide Protests Sparked by Minneapolis Federal‑Agent Shooting Earlier protests on Jan 24‑25 across Seattle neighborhoods referenced the killing of 37‑year‑old Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, describing it as “murder” and a catalyst for anti‑ICE action [2][3]. In downtown Seattle, about 200 protesters blocked southbound traffic on 2nd Avenue, halting vehicles until shortly before 8 p.m., before marching northward toward 4th Avenue and Cherry Street [2]. West Seattle’s rally at Hiawatha Playfield drew hundreds, with participants marching south along California Avenue to The Junction, marking one year since the previous administration change [3]. Smaller demonstrations in Renton, including a dozen activists outside a Tesla dealership, illustrated the regional spread of the movement [2][3].

Leaders Highlight Human Toll and Call for Concrete Action Roxana Norouzi, executive director of OneAmerica, voiced anger and heartbreak over families separated by ICE, urging tangible policy change during her speech [1]. Musician Cameron Lavi‑Jones performed live, urging the crowd to translate fear in immigrant communities into “concrete steps” against ICE targeting of children [1]. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, horrified by the Minneapolis killing, praised the protests as inspiring and encouraged residents to monitor ICE activity and connect with neighbors, reinforcing civic engagement [2]. Organizers stressed that the rallies are part of an ongoing grassroots effort to maintain visibility and pressure beyond a single day’s events [3].