Educators, allies to rally against ICE presence in Seattle

SEATTLE, WA (January 29, 2026) — As outrage over violent immigration enforcement continues to grow nationwide, educators in Seattle will gather for an action at Seattle Central College on Saturday, protesting ICE’s presence in the city. The rally is planned by educators, and endorsed by MLK Labor, the Washington Education Association, the Seattle Education Association, and AFT Local 1789, which represents Seattle community college faculty.

Days after beginning his second term, Trump rescinded a Biden-era “Protected Areas” policy that prohibited immigration enforcement actions at churches, hospitals, and schools. That change has spurred fears among educators that students and their parents are targets for arrest and detention. In Minnesota, multiple students were detained by ICE on their way to school — the surge of ICE agents into Maine has led to children from immigrant families staying home from school, as parents are afraid to drive their kids and children are afraid they’ll be targeted by ICE agents at recess.

Educators and inviting labor family, parents, and community members to join Saturday’s action. Yesterday, Healthcare workers united in SEIU Healthcare 1199NW announced they will rally in solidarity with educators.

“This moment we’re living through has to mean more than grief,” said Jane Hopkins, President of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW in a statement following the killing of Alex Pretti. “We’ll keep fighting, keep organizing, keep speaking out. It must be a turning point. This administration wants to paralyze us with fear. But now is more important than ever to continue taking action and standing together with our communities.”

TAKE A STAND: Join educators and allies at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 in front of Seattle Central College at the intersection of Broadway & E. Pine St.