Tacoma, WA – Dozens of protesters rallied and marched for a strong climate commission in Tacoma, Washington in observation of Earth Day, April 18.

The crowd carried picket signs demanding a “strong climate commission” and “system change not climate change” as they marched from Point Defiance to Dune Park. Chants like “Cut the carbon emissions! Empower the climate commission!” echoed through the parks.

“The 'end of living' mentioned by the ancestors is not a distant threat – it is the reality of our current path if we do not act,” said River Bandi, a member of the Osage Nation and the Climate Alliance of the South Sound. “Let us leave this rally not just with signs, but with a vow: to act like we belong to the Earth. To protect the web as if our lives depend on it – because they do.”

Dune Park is built on a remediated Superfund site, the historic site of the Asarco copper smelter which spewed dangerous heavy metals and chemicals all over the South Sound region for nearly 100 years.

Attendees highlighted the importance of workers’ rights, indigenous sovereignty and climate justice. The city’s climate commission currently has no legal power and big businesses in Tacoma routinely take full advantage by violating treaty rights and polluting working-class communities, as well as building and maintaining projects in the interest of profit rather than the people of Tacoma.

“The oversight and policy we need in Tacoma to protect our air, land, water, and to protect us from a climate catastrophe doesn't exist,” stated Phil Harty, another member of CASS. “We demand a strong climate commission that can fight back against all attacks on the environment, that can respect the treaties and Indigenous sovereignty, that can ensure green jobs, and that protects the trees of Tacoma.”

A wide range of community organizations were represented at the march, and speakers highlighted the need for uniting together to fight against the big corporations driving environmental disaster in Tacoma and beyond.

“It's clear this climate catastrophe isn't an accident; it's a direct result of the system that we live under. U.S. monopoly capitalists profit, while the working people of the world face the consequences,” said Ari Pahoundis, an organizer with Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The fight for a strong climate commission continues as community members gear up to launch a citizen’s initiative to get the issue on the ballot in 2027.

#TacomaWA #WA #Environment #EarthDay #CASS

Tacoma, WA – On Saturday, April 4, members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and the general public gathered at Wheelock Branch library to learn about and discuss the U.S. war on Iran and the growing anti-imperialist movement.

FRSO hosted the interactive seminar to discuss the destructive conflict with Iran and the oppressive sanctions imposed by the United States.

Speakers from Seattle and Tacoma fielded questions from the audience concerning the war on Iran and the region as a whole, emphasizing the resistance of oppressed and working-class people. The presentation discussed global and local anti-war efforts, with the audience of 40 chanting between sections, “Money for jobs and education, not for war and occupation!”

The presenters led an activity where the audience identified over 25 politicians and groups involved in the conflict as being either “friendly,” “enemy,” or “vacillating” in the fight against imperialism. The group identified “The Department of War” and “Netanyahu” among the enemies, and “The government of Iran” and “Ansar Allah (Houthis)” among the friendly forces.

“Iran is an anti-imperialist force in the world,” said Gloria Baughman, one of the four presenters.

#TacomaWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Iran

Tacoma, WA – On March 31, over 30 people took to the streets to rally for transgender rights. Community members spoke on the importance of Transgender Day of Visibility, and how it intersects with the working class, climate justice, and indigenous sovereignty. After speeches, a short march, and an indigenous cultural offering from a two-spirit person, people filled the municipal building to speak during the city council meeting.

On the city’s agenda was a Transgender day of Visibility proclamation fought for by community organizers and signed by the mayor and city council.

This rally and march were called by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization and also came in response to a Supreme Court decision to re-legalize conversion therapy. Many community members feared how this could impact them at home and at work.

Haze Bender, a union warehouse worker with Teamsters Local 174, said, “Everything we do is informed and impacted by our relationship to production. As workers under capitalism, we have a lot more commonality than differences with the people we work alongside. Remember, most of our oppression is coming from the people above, rather than the people alongside us.” Bender stressed the importance of trans and working class solidarity.

“The United States government sent us [to boarding schools], along with all Indians, where they criminalized our languages, changed our names, and attempted to erase our way of being,” said River Bandi, a two-spirit speaker from the Ojibwa and Odawa First Nations. “They did not succeed. My existence is a testament to the resilience of my ancestors.”

“My mom told me growing up, if you marry another woman, or if you marry somebody that is not Latin, I will disown you,” said Amelia Isabel Escobedo, a two-spirit person with the Brown Berets. She rejected that narrow view, saying instead “You are a part of me and I am a part of you. And we are family.”

Tacomans made it clear that they would not sit down while the Trump administration continued to attack trans rights. After chants of “Trans rights now,” over ten people took the energy of the rally into city council chambers to demand material protections for trans people in Tacoma.

“So on this Transgender Day of Visibility, I ask you to do more than see us,” Dez Chalfant said to the city council in chambers. “Stand with us. Fight with us. Protect us. Because we are not going anywhere.” Chalfant is a rank-and-file member of UFCW 367 and a representative on the Pierce County Central Labor Council.

During the council meeting chants of “When trans rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up fight back!” echoed through the building, reminding the council that the residents of Tacoma is ready and willing to fight for trans people. The city of Tacoma passed the proclamation for Trans Day of Visibility.

#TacomaWA #WA #TransDayOfVisibility #LGBTQ #Trans #WomensMovement

Tacoma, WA – El 13 de marzo, más de 60 estudiantes salieron a las calles por una manifestación en la Plaza Tollefson para oponer la tiranía del presidente Trump en su comunidad. Los estudiantes se enfrentaron con el clima que traía nieve mientras ellos cantaron “Nieve, granizo, aguanieve, lluvia, no dejaremos que ICE nos venzca!”

Esta manifestación fue organizada por unos estudiantes secundarios de los distritos de Tacoma y de sus alrededores. Los estudiantes exigieron que la administración de sus escuelas se animaran a protegerlos durante las horas de operación de las escuelas y para defender de los ataques de ICE después de las horas de operación de la escuela.

Muchos de los estudiantes compartieron historias de cómo les ha impactado la presencia del ICE. Una estudiante llamada Charlotte Austin dijo, “Debemos dedicarnos a estudiar para las pruebas cumulativas y a la escuela, pero resulta que no podemos. Porque ciertas personas no tienen la oportunidad de presentarse en las pruebas cumulativas. Se roban de las calles. Se sacan de las escuelas; los niños llegan a sus hogares para ver que sus padres ya no están. El ICE hace que los niños no tengan hogar, que se separen las familias.”

De muchas formas, la crueldad del proceso de inmigracion de los EE.UU. ha causado reconocimiento a muchos estudiantes que las leyes son innecesarias. Las complicaciones de inmigracion ya se consideran como delito menor, todo para que el gobierno EE.UU pueda ocultar el derecho a la ayuda legal. Mientras tanto muchos secuestrados por ICE sufren condiciones peores que los de cualquier prisión típica. Tacoma tiene sitio en uno de los centros de detención más grandes en el estado de Washington. El Centro de Procesamiento de ICE del Noroeste se usa para encarcelar más de 1500 personas. En esta instalación, se reporta que a la gente le dan de comer comida mohosa, que le roban el sueldo, y que le cometen agresión sexual los empleados de Geo.

El Centro de Procesamiento de ICE del Noroeste está escondido entre varios almacenes y el ferrocarril, y los estudiantes le sienten mucha simpatía al sufrimiento del pueblo. Tras caminar fuera de la escuela con el clima todo helado, Austin dijo, “Es verdaderamente importante que la gente se presente, sin tener en cuenta el clima, porque el pueblo sufre suplicios aún peores en los centros de detención. Nosotros podemos quedarnos aquí por unas cuantas horas en la nieve.”

La congregación se planeó dentro de la semana que siguió la protesta principal y la marcha que honró la lucha por el Día Internacional de las Mujeres y una semana y media antes del día de No Reyes en Tacoma. Está claro que más personas en Tacoma se preparan y se organizan para salir a las calles para pelear contra el imperialismo en cualquier forma que tiene.

#TacomaWA #WA #StudentMovement #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – On March 13, over 60 students showed up for a rally in Tollefson Plaza protesting President Trump’s tyranny in their community. The students faced difficult weather that brought snow while they chanted “Rain, snow, sleet or hail, we will not let ICE prevail!”

This rally was organized by high school students from many schools in the Tacoma and surrounding school districts. The students demand that their schools’ administrations take more action at protecting them during school hours and to fight back against ICE terror after school hours.

Many students shared how the impact of ICE has influenced them. One student named Charlotte Austin said, “We should be focusing on finals and school, but instead we can’t. Because some people don’t get to do finals in school. They’re being stolen off the streets. They’re taken from schools; kids are coming home to their parents being gone. ICE is making children homeless, they’re separating families.”

In many ways, the cruelty of the U.S. immigration process has made students recognize how the laws are unnecessary. Immigration issues are considered a misdemeanor so that the U.S. government can withhold legal assistance. Yet many who are kidnapped by ICE face worse conditions then they would at any prison. Tacoma is home to one of the largest detention centers in the state of Washington. The Northwest ICE Processing Center is used to imprison over 1500 people. At this facility, people have been reported to have been fed moldy food, had their wages stolen [1], and have been sexually assaulted by Geo employees [2].

The Northwest ICE Processing Center is hidden between warehouses and train tracks, and the students are sympathetic to the people’s suffering. After walking out of school to protest in freezing conditions, Austin said, “It’s really important for people to show up, no matter the weather, because people are going through worse conditions in detention centers. We can show up for a couple of hours in the snow.”

This rally came less than a week after a protest and march honoring the fight for International Women’s Day and a week and half before No Kings in Tacoma. It is clear that more people in Tacoma are getting organized and prepared to take to the streets to fight against imperialism in all its forms.

[1] https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/geo-group-loses-latest-bid-nix-23-mln-verdict-over-immigrant-detainee-pay-2025-08-13/

[2] https://www.theurbanist.org/ice-tacoma-detention-center-targeted-in-lawsuit/

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement

Tacoma, WA – Over 300 people took to the streets on March 8, International Women’s Day, to fight back against women’s oppression. As the crowd marched to the city’s municipal building, they chanted “One struggle, one fight! Immigrant justice, women’s rights!”

Opening and closing the event, speeches and other performances highlighted the struggles of working women, emphasizing oppressed nationality and immigrant women. The event was organized by a coalition of more than 20 organizations.

“I feel like this is one little way that I can help, there’s many other ways that I do throughout my day that I try to help. It’s just really frustrating because there’s just so much that happens every day that you have to keep up on. Especially with ICE, people killing people, putting them in concentration camps,” said Chanel Squally Jensen, an attendee who is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe.

“I am a transgender woman. I stand in solidarity with women everywhere. I stand with queer folk everywhere. With those who are oppressed, everywhere. It’s a fight that never ended, a battle that we are facing today together,” said Adora Day, member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, during speeches at Tollefson Plaza.

After speeches at Tollefson Plaza, the crowd began marching towards Ben Gilbert Park.

“As an LGBTQ member, it affects me, but everybody is affected by this. Whether you are female or not. It’s a systemic issue that affects all of us. I can’t just sit at home and do nothing. I’m here to try and help build the new world now. Build what we want it to look like now,” said Morgana Nighthawk.

“I’m marching to fight for women’s rights, all women; immigrant women, trans women, everyone,” said Erica Garrett, marching from Tollefson Plaza to Ben Gilbert Park. Marchers chanted: “Not the church, not the state! Women will decide our fate!”

After the march reached Ben Gilbert Park and gathered on the street, the community and organizers had more speeches and cultural offerings. Jullia Bobodilla and members of Climate Alliance of the South Sound shared a song honoring missing and murdered indigenous women. Speakers addressed the fight for women’s rights against anti-immigrant terror and against the national oppression of indigenous people. Before the march dispersed, organizers and attendees declared that they would continue to fight for workers, immigrants and women's rights.

#TacomaWA #WA #InternationalWomensDay #WomensMovement #LGBTQ #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – On January 27, over 350 community members rallied outside the Tacoma Municipal Building before a city council meeting, to demand the Tacoma City Council ban ICE from the city. The crowd filled the city council chamber while maintaining a large presence outside the building for most of the council meeting.

The event was led by the Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA), a grassroots, multinational immigrant rights organization. Rallygoers turned out to demand that the city council pass their proposed resolution to ban ICE activity in the city and to shut down the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), more widely known by its previous name, the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC).

“It is one thing to say you are against ICE, but it is another thing to act swiftly on it. Nine people are gone so far in 2026 because of ICE,” said Matthew Caras, an organizer with PCIA, speaking on the urgency of their demands. He continued by leading the crowd to name each of those who have been killed by ICE agents within the first three weeks of this year. These names include Keith Porter Jr., Geraldo Lunas Campos, Victor Manuel Díaz, Parady La, Luis Beltrán Yáñez–Cruz, Heber Sánchez Domínguez, Luis Gustavo Núñez Cáceres, Renee Nicole Good, and Alex Pretti.

Caras continued, “These are our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles. Let’s show Tacoma what leadership against ICE looks like! Let’s show the nation what it means to protect our communities!”

The resolution also boasted endorsement by the Committee of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs of the City of Tacoma (CIRA), Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), International Migrants Alliance (IMA), and the Climate Alliance of the South Sound (CASS).

Gemini Gnull, a member of the Osage nation and of the FRSO spoke to the crowd, saying, “If you are Native American, if you are Black, if you are Chicano, if you are a worker, you share a common enemy. We can build a united front against monopoly capitalism! We can overthrow this system once and for all!” Soon after, rallygoers spilled off the sidewalk and into the street, chanting, “Power to the people, no one is illegal!” and “Fuck ICE!”

The marchers took to the streets simultaneously with the start of the council meeting, during which PCIA organizers demanded the passage of their resolution. The resolution contained two principal demands, reprinted here: first, “We demand that the Tacoma City Council pass a resolution that it does not recognize the authority of ICE to operate within the city,” and second, “We demand a condemnation of the NWDC and a promise from the Tacoma City Council that all opportunities to cease its operations in our city will be pursued. This Council and its Director of Finance can shut down the NWDC by revoking GEO’s license to kill!”

The event ended with rousing support for the resolution and demands that the city take meaningful action to protect the community from ICE, with a promise from the organizers and community to keep coming back until their demands are met.

For updates on further events follow: @pcia.wa

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – On February 6, 375 students walked out from Washington High School and Keithley Middle School before the final class period of the day, joining the movement of students across the country who are standing up to ICE.

As the bell rang students began to gather outside in the sun holding Mexican, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Columbian, Brazilian and Honduran flags. Washington High School junior Madyson Smith addressed her fellow classmates with a Puerto Rican flag around her neck saying, they were all together to “stand up for not only our Hispanic community, but everyone else who is affected.”

This action is one of many in the greater Tacoma area. In recent weeks. There have been many walkouts at high and middle schools including at Franklin Pierce, Graham-Kapowskin, Stadium, Silas, Annie Wright, Rogers and more.

“Our community in Tacoma/Parkland is in fear of ICE. Washington High School is a very diverse campus with almost 40% of students being Hispanic,” Smith said. “We want our school district to be more aware of what’s going on and practice our anti-ICE policies more and make school a safe space for students!”

In preparation for the walkout students had sign-making parties and meetings with supporters. They tasked local organizations including Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA), Climate Alliance South Sound (CASS), Philippines US Solidarity Organization (PUSO) Tacoma, Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), and Rainier View Christian Church with ways to materially support them, including providing snacks and water and on-the-ground support.

When asking FRSO member Ari Pahoundis why they showed up to support they shared, “It's so inspiring to see the next generation of organizers taking to the streets to speak out for their community. These students are going to be out here either way, and we have a responsibility to do what we can to support them.”

A group of volunteers helped block off a side road from incoming traffic so that the students could safely march from the parking lot towards the main road. One of those volunteers, Nick Miskogwane, member of PCIA Teamsters 313 said, “I think it’s crucial we support and teach our youth the importance of free speech and democracy – for [them] to learn the power they have.”

The electric crowd of students marched farther than originally planned, fearlessly taking over a lane on the main road and totaling 1.2 miles round trip. Parents and community members drove by honking and waving flags in support and many joined on foot to help direct traffic. Madyson, Felix, and more helped lead their classmates in chants including, “No justice! No peace! Get ICE off our streets!”

The march wrapped up with students arriving back on campus to catch their buses, greeted by supportive parents and staff. Students also continued to celebrate their cultures, playing Mexican music and dancing Huapango in the parking lot.

An on-the-ground volunteer with CASS and local doula Jessica Whitson said, “These kids will be adults soon and they should have their voices heard and get a say about the systems that impact them. They were brave and energized, marching together making it loud and clear they want ICE off their streets. The teachers that know these kids were so incredibly proud of their students, many shedding tears of joy as the kids marched and made their voices heard.”

When asked about the impact this action had on her fellow classmates, organizer Smith said, “Students before the protest were in a stage of fear — kids weren’t coming to school. After the protest everyone is hyped and lowkey happy about how it turned out.”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #HighSchool #PCIA #PUSO #FRSO #CASS

Tacoma, WA – On January 12, students at IDEA High School walked out of class to stand up against ICE in their community. Over 100 students marched to a busy intersection and then continued to circle the intersection marching in the crosswalks as passing drivers honked their horns in support.

the students carried signs and chanted together “ICE out! We won't go!” as they marched through the crosswalks. When the students returned to the school an hour later, they rallied again on the sidewalk in front of the building expressing their solidarity. This happened in the face of the administration telling them to stay off of school property.

When asked why the students are taking to the streets, Mathilda Cousin said, “I hate ICE, and I hate what they are doing with people. It's awful! They are taking people who are legal citizens, and they are trying to deport them for no reason.” Mathilda continued, “I come from a mixed cultural background and just thinking about if ICE tried to deport someone that I love, I hate that! And knowing that that has happened to people, I want to stand with them.”

When asked how students are affected by ICE, Roberto Damian Camacho said, “I'm here to protest ICE. It affects me because it's killing my people who did nothing wrong, and it's affecting my other people who don't feel safe to roam the streets anymore.”

Alexander Jacob-Michael Gillis said, “They deported my niece, who is a 9-year-old girl. She's from here. She was born in California, and they deported her all the way ‘back’ to Thailand even though she's not from there.” Alexander continued, “Our leaders aren't doing anything about this. They say they are, but I have seen no action so far. All I've seen is executions by ICE against innocent Americans who are using their First Amendment right to protest and to lawful assembly. It's just really sad.”

Valerian Garzón, a student who was photographing the event, when asked how ICE is affecting students, said, “A large population of the school is Hispanic, myself included. So for me and for a lot of kids at school it's something which has hit very close to home and affected a lot of our community members. I've seen ICE crawling around this neighborhood and around our school several times, as well as hearing stories of family members or community members that have been taken. So it's something that I think hits very close to home for a lot of people here.”

Ella Hibbard said, “I am out here protesting ICE in America and blatant murder and kidnapping of people who just wanna make a living.” Ella continued, “ICE affects my fellow students especially. Especially those who may not be able to have the correct documents. They are still people who belong in a community, and that community is with us and not in some fucked-up prison!”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #ICE #HighSchool

Tacoma, WA – Marching from school into the street, over 100 students from Silas High School walked out in the middle of the school day on February 2, to demand an end to anti-immigrant terror. After a series of walkouts, including several that happened this same day, the students bravely continued the fight against ICE.

When asked why students of Silas chose to walk out, highschooler Hayden Tucker-Burrell responded, “I think we decided to do this because the more people who do it, the bigger the movement. There's other schools doing this today as well, and we really want to get the message across that what's happening is not okay! And the fact they are coming to schools and taking children, and outright murdering people in the street, nothing about that is okay and should not be sanctioned by our government. So we decided to walk out to prove that.”

Natalie Grace, a student leading chants, when asked about the impacts of ICE on students said, “It makes me feel so unsafe and worried. They've killed people, and I have to say something about it.”

Ivy Anderson proudly stated, “We chose to walk out today because we've seen all the injustice that's been happening, and we've seen the people who've been murdered by ICE and we really don't stand for that. We want ICE out of our streets!” Anderson continued, “Everyone who has been murdered needs to have justice, and we think that this will help bring them justice and stop all the things that ICE is doing.”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #HighSchool #ICE

Tacoma, WA – On Monday, February 2, hundreds of students walked out of Stadium High School and marched to nearby Wright Park to fight back against ICE. Stadium is one of several high schools in the Tacoma area that coordinated a walk-out in protest of ICE on February 2.

“I was sick and tired of coming to school every day and hearing my friends talk about how they cry themselves to sleep, afraid that their families will be taken from them,” said one of the students who organized the event.

Students led chants of “No hate, no fear, no one is illegal here!” and “I-C-E, K-K-K, I-O-F, they're all the same!”, and held signs with messages such as “ICE out now!” and “Melt ICE.” For many people who attend the school, the attacks from ICE have hit close to home.

“I had a family friend actually get taken a couple weeks ago,” said Jack Tolliver, a student attending the rally. “What they're doing, it's not humane, it's not civil. It's just not fair.”

Tacoma residents have seen an increase in ICE sightings across the city, often in neighborhoods with a high concentration of oppressed nationalities.

“We decided to walk out today because I have lots of friends and family that are getting kicked out and getting arrested. I don't stand for that stuff, neither does my family. And I want to help support everybody,” said Addison Werner, another student attending the walk-out.

When asked about next steps, students expressed that they intend to continue fighting back to get ICE out of Tacoma. “I think I actually might show up to the Kick ICE Out of Tacoma thing,” Tolliver said, referring to an upcoming Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA) rally at Tacoma City Council.

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #StudentMovement #HighSchool #PCIA

Tacoma, WA – Over 1000 people gathered in Tacoma’s Firefighters Park, January 24, to protest the racist Trump administration. Protesters waved signs reading, “Fight for workers and immigrants’ rights” and “ICE out of Tacoma” while chants of “One struggle, one fight: immigrant justice, worker’s rights!” filled the air.

Amelia Escobedo of the Brown Berets said, “The reason I'm out here today, even though I'm recovering from a hysterectomy, is that my people matter. Our people matter. And if we're not out here raising our voices, nobody else is going to do it for us.”

Speakers from many of the 25 endorsing organizations rallied with the crowd before taking to the streets. “Fight back!” echoed throughout downtown as the march took a major thoroughfare, marching from the park to the nearby federal building.

“I'm out here in the streets today because I at first was very fearful seeing everything that ICE was doing, like killing people and attacking my people as an indigenous Latina,” said Julia Bobadillo, one of the speakers with the 28th Legislative Democrats. “And so I'm out here because I wanted to not be fearful.”

Bobadillo spoke and offered indigenous drumming and song to a crowd so large it would not fit in the plaza outside the federal building. Protesters spilled into the street to listen to more speakers talk on the importance of immigration justice and the fight for socialism in the United States.

“Trump's escalating attacks on the people make it clearer and clearer that they do not care if they have to kill us to get theirs!” said Moon Gosserand, with Freedom Road Socialist Organization, to an enthusiastic crowd. “To change this system, we don't need small reforms, we need a revolution! We need a party to be built for and by the people! One that stands for the multinational working class!”

This march, which had been planned for over a month, took on a special character in response to yet another murder by ICE agents in Minneapolis that same morning. Many protesters brought their entire families, including babies, children and elders.

“My son came home one day from school asking, ‘Why Is Trump targeting us?’ If I don't fight for my son, these kids, who else is going to fight for them?” said attendee Alfredo Villegas, member of Laborers' Union, “I'm a native of Tacoma, Washington. Native American, also First Nations, and Mexican. And as a member of this community, if there's no voice, then nothing will be seen or heard.”

Amelia Escobedo said, “We have to do it for us. We have to do it for our babies. We have to do it to make sure that our people know that we have their back, because right now we're under attack.” Her husband Chris Escobedo, also with the Brown Berets, added, “We had to show support, because what's happening in the country, especially with the kids getting taken and things like that, it's taking it too far. We’ve got to stop it now.”

“We are going to keep up the fight” said Jami Cortes, one of the lead organizers of the event with Climate Alliance of the South Sound. “We are prepared to march for International Women’s Day, Earth Day, May day, and every day until we see an end to this rotten system and the liberation of the planet and her people.”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #ICE #Labor #FRSO #CASS

Tacoma, WA — On January 7, over 50 community members gathered in the cold to mourn the loss of Renee Good, a community member shot and killed by ICE agents as she was observing an ICE raid in south Minneapolis.

The rally opened with the crowd chanting “We want justice, we want peace, we want ICE off of our streets.”

“Tacomans are outraged by what has happened! We will not stand by as ICE murders the people who are showing up to protect our neighbors,” said Ian Freeman, a member of Climate Alliance of the South Sound.

In Minneapolis and across the country ICE activity and repression has significantly increased under the Trump administration. The murder of Good comes just a day after the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem traveled to the Twin Cities on January 6, bringing a massive ICE presence with her.

“We have witnessed just how far ICE, and this Trump administration, is willing to go to scapegoat migrants and all those who stand in unwavering support of migrants. From the sudden execution of community members in broad daylight to the outright lies as to what actually happened,” Kasandra Seda, an organizer with Capybara Colectiva, stated.

Seda continued, “It is important for us to tell the truth and continue to tell the truth about what happened to Renee and what continues to happen. Because wherever ICE is, nobody is safe. While ICE is threatening our communities with guns and violence, we know that it's community organizations like us who are ensuring the safety and well-being of our migrant communities.”

Organizers led the crowd in chanting “Justice for Renee!”

“On top of the murder today, we cannot forget the deaths at the hands of ICE that have occurred inside of detention centers due to mistreatment and neglect,” expressed Chiara Garcia with Pierce County Immigration Alliance.

This rally was held just miles away from the Northwest ICE Processing Center, which is infamous for its human rights violations, medical neglect, and where two people died while in ICE custody within a couple months of one another in 2024.

“ICE is militarized with our tax dollars to come terrorize us. What kind of fucked-up system is creating this kind of environment?” Aife Pasquale with the Freedom Road Socialist organization stated, adding, “Trump is escalating his attacks on the people, on the whole world, for the sake of profit. all of this fucked-up bullshit that’s going on, it isn't an accident, it’s not coincidental, it’s all intrinsic to the capitalist system.”

Organizers made it clear that this heightening repression signaled that it is not a time to back down but instead is time to fight back and get organized.

“I know it's really easy to be afraid, but I hope you continue to show out, to mobilize, to organize, to join an organization. You know, they're escalating their fights, we also have to escalate our organizing,” stated Seda.

This action was in response to a national call from the Legalization for All network to stand in solidarity with Minneapolis and to demand Justice for Renee Good. Organizers of the vigil included Pierce County Immigration Alliance (La Alianza), Climate Alliance of the South Sound, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Capybara Colectiva, Tanggol Migrante, and International Migrants Alliance.

“It’s hard to get up and go about every day knowing these are the horrors we are subjected to. but being here tonight, seeing all of you here, willing to stand up against ICE, against this system, against Trump, brings me the revolutionary optimism to keep fighting,” declared Pasquale. “ICE, Trump, and capitalism as a whole are bound to lose. Our victory, the bright future we have ahead of us, is inevitable!”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #ICE #InJusticeSystem #KillerICE #KillerCops #ReneeGood

Tacoma, WA – On January 4, anti-war protesters held rallies in front of the U.S. District Court this weekend to denounce the U.S. Military attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Nearly 100 protesters gathered at the U.S. District Courthouse to hear speakers from community organizations like the Pierce County Immigration Alliance, Bayan Washington, About Face, and Climate Alliance of the South Sound.

Afterwards they marched to nearby Tollefson Plaza where they blocked the intersection in front of the Tacoma Art Museum to demand an end to military intervention in Venezuela. This marks a major escalation in Tacoma’s anti-war movement as more groups join together to protest Trump’s attacks on Venezuelan independence.

One attendee, Riley Cetnar stated, “The United States isn’t just going after Venezuela, it’s going after all of us. It’s going after the people in the Philippines and going after Palestine. It’s going after unions and trans people and immigrants in the United States. It’s going after all of us.”

Venezuelan government officials have described the attacks as a brazen violation of international law and a threat to peace and stability in the region, a charge that they promised to bring before the UN. They have mobilized the country’s armed forces and called upon the working people of Venezuela to join a mass popular mobilization in order to repel further incursions from the United States.

For 25 years, the Bolivarian Revolution has been an ongoing social and political project aimed at freeing Venezuela and Latin America at large from the chains of imperialism, and these attacks are not the United States’ first attempt to decapitate its leadership. In 2002 a U.S.-backed coup attempted to oust then-president and first leader of the Bolivarian Revolution Hugo Chávez. After the brave actions of loyal military members and the population as a whole, Chávez was returned to power after only 47 hours.

As it stands, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as acting president of Venezuela and vows to not take these vulgar acts of aggression lying down, promising to resist the United States’ imperial ambitions by any means necessary.

On Saturday morning, Tacomans woke up hearing about the attacks which had taken place in Caracas, Venezuela around 2 a.m. local time the night before. That same day, Freedom Road Socialist Organization hosted a press conference with other organizations to share insight into the history of U.S. Imperialism. This action, along with a DSA rally hosted later that day, helped to mobilize the people of Tacoma to take to the streets on Sunday. Each of these events were planned with less than 24 hours’ notice and numerous other organizations endorsed each action

The people of Tacoma won’t rest until Trump ends his attacks on Venezuelan independence. Members of the community have already begun planning for a “One Year of Resisting Trump” march on January 24. For the people of Venezuela are standing firm and the people of Tacoma stand with them.

#TacomaWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

Tacoma, WA – In the early afternoon of November 9, around 100 people rallied for “Masks-Off ICE” to prevent ICE and DHS from operating anonymously. The Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA or La Alianza) organized to demand community accountability and spread the word about need for rapid response.

The Franklin Pierce Radical Teachers Caucus spoke about ICE out of schools and the power of people's movements. Malaya Tacoma and Tanggol Migrante demanded ICE out of hospitals and justice for detainees in need of medical care.

Matt Price from the Franklin Pierce Association’s Radical Caucus: Fight Injustice and Reimagine Education (FPEA FIRE) said, “We must work not only to unmask ICE agents, but also to unmask silence, and unmask complicity, as ICE terrorizes our community.” The PNW Chapter of International Migrants Alliance and a speaker on behalf of La Resistencia also demanded justice for immigrants, legalization for all, and a shutdown of the Northwest Detention Center.

All rally attendees were given instructions on how to join rapid response chats, tips on how to identify ICE, and each handed a stack of colorful posters, Know Your Rights flyers, and tape to put these up around their neighborhoods. Attendees were mobilized to have all eyes on ICE and put posters and resources on every corner of the city to let immigrants know they belong here. As stated by a member of the Climate Alliance of the South Sound (CASS), “No act of resistance is too small — it all adds up. We have to come together, fight together, and that way we will win together.”

When asked why they showed up for Masks-Off ICE, one attendee said, “Never again means here, means overseas, and I can't bear the thought of looking back years in the future, when this terror came to my home and thinking I didn't do anything to prevent it, especially as a first generation Holocaust survivor.”

Another rally attendee added, “I'm here because I'm against ICE scaring and hurting my community members!”

The rally successfully activated community members to take action and get connected, and there was a clear sense from attendees that they were angry and ready to fight back.

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights #ICE

Tacoma, WA – On November 1, La Resistencia held its 11th annual Día de los Muertos protest and celebration in front of the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC), a privately-owned detention facility with a number of reports of human rights abuses lodged against it over its 20 years of operation.

The event focused on honoring the lives lost due to poor treatment of people detained, shining light on the struggles currently being undertaken for freedom of those imprisoned, and the years-long fight to shut down the facility.

The event, hosted by La Resistencia and supported by other local organizations including Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA) and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), had speakers, an ofrenda altar, and a procession to the entrance gate of the facility. The event honored the 25 lives lost across the U.S. due to immigration enforcement and detention facility mistreatment and neglect.

“We don't care about where they came from, we don't care about what they did, they're humans in a cage and they should all be free,” said Maru Mora-Villalpando of La Resistencia.

Claire Thomas, a member of FRSO, told the crowd, “It is capitalists who profit from immigration terror. The investors in GEO group, who run this facility, make money for every person in that facility. They encourage ICE to arrest as many people as possible in order to detain them so they can fill their pockets. Only by uniting every part of the people’s movements can we truly stand a chance against the capitalists.” FRSO demands an end to anti-immigration terror and racial profiling, the end of the border militarization, and full equality, and access to government services for immigrants.

The detention center has extensive reports from detainees and community organizations of poor conditions within the facility, including lack of access to sufficient medical care, as well as poor food and water quality.

“The food arrives three hours late; bugs, mold, and metal have been found in the food. We have been told they have been served raw, bloody chicken. The only water they have access to is water from the sinks. The water comes out brown, tastes like metal or like Clorox,” said Perla Velasquez of La Resistencia.

Speakers also emphasized the strength and fight of those detained within the detention center itself. “Inside, Steven Chavarria Portillo is taking his life into his hands by participating in a hunger strike – an action that cries out for recognition of the inherent value of another human being's life. We demand his demands be met immediately: to be out of isolation, to receive medical treatment, and a full investigation of the officers involved in retaliating against him,” said Rie Guerrero of the Pierce County Immigration Alliance (PCIA or La Alianza.

The Pierce County Immigration Alliance is holding another event later this November to highlight a proposed ordinance in the city of Seattle that would ban ICE agents from wearing masks to cover their faces while on duty, and encouraging more cities and municipalities to take it up.

The fight for immigration justice continues!

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – On October 25, around 50 community members gathered in the stormy weather conditions outside of the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) to stand in solidarity with those detained inside and to honor the anniversary of José Manuel Sánchez-Castro’s death.

Sánchez-Castro’s is one of two people who died at the NWDC in 2024 alone. “We are here today to remember José Manuel Sánchez-Castro, who tragically passed away under preventable circumstances, placed in medical isolation and denied treatment while detained at the Northwest Detention Center,” stated Perla Vazquez, an organizer with La Resistencia.

The NWDC is a for-profit facility run by GEO Group. GEO makes millions of dollars each year running detention centers like the one in Tacoma.

“Mr. Sánchez-Castro's death is yet another tragic example of the ongoing pattern of medical neglect caused by both ICE and GEO,” Vazquez stated.

Sánchez-Castro's death is a small glimpse at the extreme medical neglect and inhumane conditions occurring at the Northwest Detention Center.

“Many drink water from the sink. That's the only water they have access to because in the commissary, water is $2. It looks brown, and it tastes like Clorox,” Vazquez shared with the crowd based on the report that La Resistencia received. “What we're hearing is the brutal and inhumane reality of these conditions, and it will continue to get worse unless we do something about it.”

These horrific conditions have led groups such as La Resistencia to call for a shutdown of the NWDC. La Resistencia was the first to report Sánchez-Castro's death and has been at the forefront of the fight for over 11 years, organizing with those detained inside who lead hunger strikes and demand better conditions. Since La Resistencia’s founding, many other groups have joined in the struggle to shut down the detention center.

The organizers of Solidarity Day included La Resistencia and Tsuru for Solidarity, with supporting organizations such as the Climate Alliance of the South Sound, the Pierce County Immigration Alliance (La Alianza), and the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Jami Cortez, an organizer with Climate Alliance of the South Sound, spoke about how the fight for climate justice is connected to the struggle for immigrants' rights.

“The Climate Alliance of the South Sound is an indigenous-led, Tacoma-based environmental group that is fighting for a strong climate commission here in Tacoma, one that has real teeth to stop harmful and environmentally racist projects like the Northwest Detention Center.” Cortez stated, “There are forever toxic chemicals in the ground here, so much so that it's been deemed uninhabitable for humans. We're also within the blast zone of the Puget Sound Energy liquefied natural gas facility. They store fracked gas, and if it goes up in flames, if there's an earthquake, if there's really any type of natural disaster, the people here will be put at extreme risk. And guess what? There's no actual evacuation plan here. So we demand that the Climate Commission have actual power to shut down these toxic facilities like the Northwest Detention Center, like the PSE and LNG!”

The people's movements to shut down the NDWC from inside and out only continue to grow. José’s death stands as a reminder of what the community has lost and what they are fighting for. As long as the NWDC stands, the community will continue to rise and demand “Free them all!”

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights

Tacoma, WA – On October 14, a group of several dozen Tacoma activists gathered in the sunset of Fireman's Park to oppose the expansion of the city’s liquid natural gas (LNG) plant. The event was organized by a broad coalition of Black, brown, indigenous, and other liberation movement groups, led by the of the Coast Salish Water Warriors (WW).

Speaker Marilyn Kimmerling with Climate Alliance of the South Sound (CASS) explained that the LNG facility near the Port of Tacoma is both a refinery and storage place. The oil travels from across the country through underground pipelines to the LNG plant at Tacoma’s tide flats. Within those pipes are gaskets, components which connect the lengths of pipe together. Such gaskets are notorious for failing, resulting in leaks.

In Tacoma, the gaskets are close to both schools and housing, usually in low-income areas such as reservation land. “The facility is an 8-million-gallon facility,” said Kimmerling. “The gas is chilled to -215 degrees so it can be condensed into a liquid, [allowing for] more storage. If the tank leaks, the gas expands and could easily explode.”

Even without expansion, the LNG plant as-is is already in violation of regulations. According to marine safety regulations, LNG tanks must be at least three miles away from human habitation due to the serious risk of explosion. The LNG refinery also releases methane, tons of particulate matter, and toxic chemicals such as benzine, a known brain carcinogen.

“Methane is 82 times more responsible for climate change [than CO2],” Kimmerling continued. “It's not in the atmosphere as long as carbon, but it's faster at polluting the environment.” It is no surprise, then, that environmentally damaging facilities like Tacoma’s LNG plant are built in low-income areas.

Kimmerling explained that not only is the LNG plant in violation of the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek, which is supposed to guarantee the hunting and fishing rights of the local tribes, but it was also built without a legal permit. Moreover, the 8-million-gallon tank is situated on a landfill in the tide flats. The tide flats themselves are at sea level, which is already rising due to climate change, and the plant is in an earthquake zone, a lava flow zone, and built in a location that is difficult to effectively evacuate.

If an explosion were to occur, the 5000-degree temperatures would incinerate everything in the immediate blast radius, including people. The Northwest Detention Center, a 1500-bed facility used by ICE to detain immigrants, is located in that blast zone, and there is no evacuation plan in place in the event of an explosion or other disaster. The five-mile radius of a potential LNG explosion also encompasses most of the city of Tacoma. Even when functioning normally, the refinery pollutes the water, where salmon are already a threatened species.

After the speeches at the park, the crowd mobilized to Tacoma City Hall where the city council meeting was in session. The group merged with a larger contingent of community members who took the opportunity to advocate their Stop The Sweeps campaign. Local faith groups like Common Good and organizations like Tacoma DSA delivered speeches outside City Hall on other issues, including the housing crisis. They shared statistics on the number of people who die on the streets of Tacoma, which is in the thousands. Other speakers pointed out that many of Tacoma’s unhoused people are disabled, as Social Security doesn't pay them enough to live on.

Most of the attendees then entered City Hall to make public comments at the city council meeting. It was filled to capacity as the city council removed the first two rows of seats and tried to erect a barrier to shield the councilmembers from the outrage of their supposed constituents.

Tacoma’s mayor, who had been in attendance for the first half of the council meeting, slipped out before the second half began because she could not be bothered to listen to public comments. CASS delivered their statement about the LNG plant in 90-second chunks delivered by different members due to the restrictions placed on public comment by the council, which asked attendees to “be nice” as they were “tired.” When a member of the local Black Panther Party Ovunayo X came up to speak, his microphone was shut off abruptly after his allotted 90 seconds, after which the council quickly walked out.

“Anti-people policies like the camping ban and expansion of the LNG facility show the true interest of the city council,” said Aife Pasquale, a member of CASS. “They will always put profit over the people, and bend to the whims of capitalism. The people of Tacoma, however, do not accept this without a fight. Today a wide coalition of organizations united to push against these policies and stand for what's right!”

#TacomaWA #WA #Environment #CASS

Tacoma, WA – On September 22, community members gathered around the Federal Courthouse in solidarity with the 50-vessel lotilla heading to Gaza to deliver aid. The rally, a coalition effort of Democratic Socialists of America, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization stood together to call for an end to the Israeli genocide of Palestinians.

As part of a national call to action from DSA, community members joined dozens of other cities this week in an act of international solidarity for Palestine. DSA member Tommy Lovitt spoke about the flotilla, saying, “I think it's just a very good way to bring people's attention to it and show that something can be done. We can reach inside of Palestine and Israel and actually, you know, help people.”

Attendees gathered to hear organizers speak on Palestine, Israel and the flotilla. Talison Crosby, member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, gave a fiery speech, stating, “We stand in unconditional solidarity with the resistance. And just so there’s no confusion on what I mean when I say unconditional solidarity – we want Palestine to win! So we celebrate every blow to the Zionist entity. We celebrate the steadfastness of the Sumud Flotilla and the bravery of the Palestinian resistance.”

Israeli threats against the sailors continue to escalate as the Global Sumud Flotilla nears its destination of Gaza. The struggle will continue until the Israeli occupation and genocide of Palestine is overthrown for good.

#TacomaWA #WA #AntiWarMovement #Palestine

Tacoma, WA – El 1ro de septiembre, la Alianza Internacional de Migrantes – USA (International Migrant’s Alliance – USA, IMA USA) y La Resistencia organizaron un mitin en solidaridad con los inmigrantes y para cerrar el Centro de Detención del Noroeste (Northwest Detention Center). El mitin Todos por la Defensa Migrante (All Out for Migrant Defense) fue atendido por más de 850 personas.

Muchos de los presentes viajaron desde Portland, Oregon como parte del evento final de la Conferencia Política de 2025 de IMA USA y Tanggol Migrante. Esto incluía una gran caravana de más de 50 carros y dos buses escolares.

El Centro de Detención del Noroeste en Tacoma se ha convertido en el lugar para que muchas organizaciones se unan para luchar contra la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos. Otras organizaciones como la Coalición Internacional por los Derechos Humanos en las Filipinas (ICHRP) Seattle, Bayan Washington, y la Oregon Rising Coalition también atendieron.

Angela Bonilla, presidente de la Asociación de Profesores de Portland y miembro de la Oregon Rising Coalition habló sobre la importancia de construir unidad entre los sindicatos y las organizaciones de la comunidad, afirmando, “Esta alianza se ha juntado para mejorar las vidas de la clase obrera retomando el poder y riqueza que han sido extraídos de nuestras comunidades.”

Este llamado a la unidad fue seguido por un esfuerzo interestatal para terminar las condiciones inhumanas en el Centro de Detención del Noroeste (NWDC). El NWDC es manejado por una empresa que cotiza en bolsa llamada GEO Group que recibe dinero del gobierno de EE.UU. para encarcelar a personas durante el proceso de inmigración.

La Resistencia ha estado documentando las condiciones en el NWDC por más de 11 años y ha recibido reportes de detenidos afirmando que las condiciones están empeorando aún más. Uno de los líderes de La Resistencia reportó que los detenidos estaban siendo retenidos en el centro de detención incluso después de que debían ser liberados o deportados. También dijeron que un detenido tuvo que sobrevivir una huelga de hambre de siete días para al fin ser deportado.

El mitin incluyó más testimonios de las familias de los detenidos en el NWDC. Tres familias diferentes pudieron hablar sobre las horribles condiciones dentro de la instalación. Cada discurso tenía un tema en común: terminar el contrato con el centro de detención y tratar a todos los obreros con dignidad.

#TacomaWA #WA #ImmigrantRights