Anti-ICE protesters clash with police at Seattle Federal Building
Anti-ICE protesters clash with police at Seattle Federal Building
Tensions rose during a protest at the Seattle Federal Office Building on Tuesday after police escorted a van outside and used less-lethal weapons on demonstrators.
SEATTLE - Protesters opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gathered at the Seattle Federal Building on Tuesday, with a crowd briefly clashing with police in the evening.
The protest, which remained peaceful throughout most of the day, escalated after a vehicle exited through one of the building garages.
Protesters used objects like bikes and scooters to block several exits, with many gathered at one of the building's lower garages.
The protest happened outside the Seattle Federal Office Building in Pioneer Square near 1st and Madison.
At one point, Department of Homeland Security officers exited the building and attempted to remove a barricade in front of a garage. However, they returned inside after being confronted by protesters. Some protesters wore masks and carried umbrellas.
Around 4 p.m., one of the garage doors were opened, and some of the blocking bikes and scooters were pulled inside.
At around 8 p.m., a large presence of Seattle police officers blocked off Madison Street near 2nd Avenue to allow a van to exit the building. Some of the scooters and bikes were also taken back outside.
Tensions rose as the van pulled away, with some protesters spilling into the street, yelling and attempting to block police vehicles. Officers were seen using pepper spray and other less-lethal weapons to clear the demonstrators.
Protesters could be seen burning an American flag outside the building later in the night.
Protesters burn American flag outside Seattle Federal Building
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Seattle Federal Building were seen burning an American flag Tuesday night.
Seattle police previously stated it would "work to provide security for all involved parties" in an earlier social media post on Tuesday. SPD also announced it had reduced the number of officers on scene and reopened roads, but cautioned the public that "protesters are in the area and may be in the lanes of traffic."
The Source: Information in this story came from various sources, including the Seattle Police Department and FOX 13 Seattle original reporting.
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