(The Center Square) – Pepper spray, more than 30 people arrested, and the mayor issuing a curfew for the first time since 2020 in response to George Floyd’s death — Spokane is preparing for more unrest on Saturday after local police dispersed a protest at a federal immigration facility on Wednesday, organized by former City Council President Ben Stuckart, who was also arrested.

Stuckart posted to social media leading up to the event after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would transport a Venezuelan man to Tacoma that day. The former city official became an immigrant’s legal guardian three weeks ago to help him avoid deportation.

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“Three weeks ago, I became the legal guardian to a young man from Venezuela seeking asylum,” Stuckart wrote. “He has turned in all paperwork and has a future court hearing. I went with him to ICE check-in today. They detained him and are shipping him to Tacoma.”

He planned to sit in front of the bus transporting the man and said, “Feel free to join me … Not tonight, not Saturday, but right now!!!!” The Center Square reported Wednesday that another group planned to protest that evening in Riverfront Park and again on Saturday.

Advocates flocked to the ICE facility in Spokane to support Stuckart, attempting to prevent federal agents from transporting the Venezuelan to Tacoma. The Spokane Police Department showed up, deploying smoke canisters to disperse the crowd and arrest dozens of protesters.

Stuckart was one of the demonstrators arrested, as seen by local media, being taken away by officers in handcuffs. Mayor Lisa Brown issued a curfew shortly after from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“I am aware of the situation unfolding outside of the Federal [ICE] office in Spokane. The City of Spokane respects and upholds everyone’s First Amendment rights and right to be on public property,” Brown told the media. “I encourage everyone to remain peaceful and safe, and my heart goes out to families being separated. Our unity is stronger than any attempt to divide us.”

“The City of Spokane continues to uphold the Keep Washington Working Act,” Brown continued. “The Spokane Police Department will address violations of Spokane Municipal Code.”

The Keep Washington Working Act, which many call Washington state’s “sanctuary law,” essentially prohibits law enforcement agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities. The city council passed a resolution in February reaffirming its commitment to the law amid local ICE activity.

Stuckart posted to Facebook early on Thursday, announcing his release and calling out the use of pepper spray on protesters. He said ICE carried out the transport he tried to prevent.

“Cesar and Joswar were taken by ICE,” he wrote. “They were illegally detained, had work permits and had gone through every single correct procedure and only showed up at the ICE office to follow the rules.”

“Those that judge my actions harshly are on the wrong side of history,” Stuckart continued. “What is happening is wrong.  These two young men were not criminals and were following the law.”

SPD told The Center Square that at least 31 people were arrested but couldn’t confirm the total number due to all the media requests they received. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office told TCS its deputies assisted SPD with Sheriff John Nowels’ oversight from a nearby command post.

SCSO denied claims on social media that law enforcement used tear gas on the protesters. 

“F–k ICE and f–k the National Guard being called up in Los Angeles. Hope to see you Saturday,” Stuckart posted to Facebook on Monday, leading up to the protest.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, assaults on ICE agents have increased by 413%.

Thousands of protests against the Trump administration are scheduled for Saturday nationwide, including in Spokane and Seattle. The administration militarized Los Angeles, Calif., after violent protests broke out there last week, sparking concerns about what could happen in Washington. 

Gov. Bob Ferguson posted to social media on Wednesday in response to the growing unrest. 

“President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in California over the Governor’s objection is deeply disturbing,” Ferguson wrote. “It’s resulting in more violence and escalating the situation — which is exactly what he wants. My job as Governor is to make sure we’re as prepared as we possibly can be in Washington.” 

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SCSO told The Center Square that it would offer support to SPD for the protests on Saturday, per common practice. TCS contacted Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall to comment on how he is preparing for the demonstrations on Saturday but did not receive an immediate response. 

An SPD spokesperson said Hall was meeting with other city officials and would respond soon.