This weekend, the shadow of federal overreach met the light of local resistance. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, over 700 residents across Puyallup and Milton joined the “ICE Out for Good” national mobilization, transforming local streets into a battlefield for the soul of American democracy.

The spark for this fire was the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and poet. Good was shot in the head by an ICE agent in Minneapolis while pulling her car away from federal officers. Despite official claims of “self-defense,” the people of Pierce County have seen the bystander videos, and they are rightfully calling it murder.

Puyallup: A High-Water Mark for Local Dissent

The day began at 11 a.m. at the intersection of 35th Avenue SE and South Meridian on the 10th of January. What began as a vigil by Indivisible Puyallup quickly swelled into a crowd of 500+. Protesters lined both sides of the corridor, forcing every shopper and commuter at South Hill Mall to witness the names of those killed by the current administration.

• Photos taken by a local Junior Photographer

Citizen Journalism and More | Est. 04.01.2025

The anger was not limited to immigration. Banners explicitly targeted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk, whom protesters identified as the architect of the current state of federal lawlessness. By “gutting” oversight and firing tens of thousands of federal workers, the administration has created a vacuum where agents like Jonathan Ross—the man identified as Good’s shooter—operate with total impunity.

Milton: Taking the Message to the Streets

At 1 p.m., the energy shifted to Milton, where over 200 people took the message directly into residential neighborhoods. The final footage from Milton shows a community in mourning but ready for war.

• Photos taken by a local Junior Photographer

Citizen Journalism and More | Est. 04.01.2025

Milton protesters highlighted specific labor concerns, reporting that ICE agents have been trapping local roofing and construction crews. This war on workers has linked the immigration struggle to the national strikes currently rocking the country. Signs in Milton called for a General Strike, arguing that if the government will not protect its citizens, the citizens will stop the government.

The Face of the Regime: Jonathan Ross

The man at the center of the Minneapolis tragedy, Jonathan Ross, is an experienced ICE officer and firearms instructor. Documents reveal that Ross was previously injured in a June 2025 incident where he was dragged by a vehicle. Critics argue that Ross’s history indicates a pattern of aggressive tactics, including reaching into moving vehicles—a maneuver that directly led to the fatal shots fired at Renee Good.

Local Complicity: The Sheriff’s “Dead Right” Warning

The tension in Puyallup was further inflamed by Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, who recently posted a warning on social media: “If law enforcement tells you to stop, STOP. Even if you are right, do you want to be dead right?” Protesters characterized Swank’s comments as a threat to the community. While Washington law prohibits local agencies from assisting federal immigration raids, Swank has signaled a desire to bypass these protections, leading to chants of “Sheriff Swank, whose side are you on?” throughout the day.

Know Your Rights: If ICE Knocks

• Do Not Open the Door: ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An “administrative warrant” signed by an ICE official does not give them the right to enter.
• Stay Silent: You have a constitutional right to remain silent. Tell the officer: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
• Record Everything: If it is safe, record the interaction. Documentation is the only weapon against a “self-defense” narrative that contradicts the truth.
• Ask if You Are Free to Leave: If stopped in public, ask this question. If the answer is yes, walk away calmly.

REMEMBER: ICE are not police, their uniforms may say “ICE Police” or even just “Police” but the only laws they are meant to enforce are Border and Immigration laws, without a JUDICIAL Warrant, they should have no authority over US Citizens that are not near a border

As the sun set over Puyallup and Milton, the portraits of Renee Good remained held high. The message from the people was clear: the era of silent compliance is over. The “ICE Out for Good” movement is no longer just about immigration; it is about the right to live without fear of one’s own government.

The regime may have the guns, but they do not have the streets.

Long live democracy. ¡Viva la Revolución!

Stewart Heights Park on the South End and East Side of Tacoma hosted a passionate and energetic demonstration on Saturday, October 18, when an estimated 5,000+ protesters (including me as usual) participated in a local “No Kings” rally. The Tacoma protest was part of more than 2,500 simultaneous nationwide and international protests that were part of a global movement that organizers say drew close to 7 million protesters worldwide.

The event focused on what speakers and organizers called an overreach of government authority and breaches of primary social and environmental policies by the current government.

The protest at 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Lane was scheduled between 1 and 3 PM PDT, although a majority of the demonstrators lingered longer, filling the park with posters and vibes. The protest was family-friendly, with activities like face-painting amidst a protest with neighborhood authorities and details of the soon-to-be-held November 2025 elections.

Core Issues: Healthcare and Climate

Speakers during the Stewart Heights Park rally centered on the major concerns, including recent federal amendments that targeted the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and undoing clean energy initiatives.

Comedian and presenter Adam Conover, who has a TV show called “Adam Ruins Everything,” was also listed as a guest speaker at the Stewart Heights Park rally, Conover was one of 12 scheduled speakers at the Stewart Heights Park event, the Stewart Heights Park event was just one of several No Kings events that were held across Pierce County on October 18 (Tacoma News Tribune, Oct. 18, 2025).

The attack on the ACA comes on the heels of new federal legislation—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—that has altered significant provisions of the marketplace. This includes the elimination, effective December of 2025, of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and shortening of the open enrollment period, which will significantly increase the cost of health insurance for millions and restrict access to low-income and immigrant populations, including beneficiaries of DACA.

Of equal urgency for most demonstrators, too, was the administration’s push for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and other fossil fuels. Presenters referenced the new federal limits on tax credits for solar and wind plants as well as the administration’s attempts to cancel necessary clean energy programs like “Solar for All.” For Tacoma, an environmentally aware city, this apparent retreat from a clean energy future and towards LNG was a primary point of contention.

A Peaceful, United Front

True to the leadership motto of the national movement, the Tacoma protest was marked by adherence to nonviolent action. Protest organizers specifically instructed protesters to avoid confrontation and be law-abiding to ensure the rally was a safe and wholesome venue for free speech. The massive response in Tacoma, as in the millions that marched in cities across the world, indicates a growing, organized effort to maintain democratic traditions and public services. The message was clear: “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. The country belongs to We the People.”

The protest is the second mass wave of “No Kings” protests this year, following the June protests that featured well-known speakers like former Governor Jay Inslee and Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello (Tacoma News Tribune, Oct. 18, 2025), and sets the stage for increased civic activity leading up to the November 2025 elections.

For more Information on the protest, see:

Adam Conover to speak at Tacoma No Kings rally on Oct. 18 | Tacoma News Tribune

Hundreds show up to No Kings protests in Tacoma. We asked them why

Tacoma, WA – Over 4,000 people convened at People’s Park on Saturday, June 14, 2025, for a “No Kings” protest that began formally at 11 AM and extended well beyond its scheduled 1 PM end time. The protest, a powerful display of community engagement, carried a clear and unified message from organizers: to build social connections and come together against the administration.

The protest at People’s Park drew a large and diverse crowd estimated at over 4,000 participants. The atmosphere was vibrant and purposeful, with a shared commitment to the central theme of fostering social cohesion as a means of opposing the administration’s policies. A band, whose name was unfortunately not captured by me, performed during the event, adding a dynamic musical backdrop to the demonstration.

Signs held by protesters conveyed a wide spectrum of sentiments and grievances. The core “No Kings” message was prominently displayed, often featuring a defaced crown symbol. One sign invoked historical defiance with the phrase “NOPE Since 1776” positioned beneath the anti-monarchy emblem. Another striking visual included a large effigy resembling Donald Trump, with “CON” visible on its back, standing alongside a figure holding a banner that declared “UPHOLD DEMOCRACY.” Other messages on display included powerful statements such as “Hate and Racism are Viruses” and a comprehensive “NO KINGS NO FASCISTS NO TYRANTS NO NAZIS.”

Beyond the central “No Kings” theme, the protest served as a platform for various social justice issues. Immigration concerns were a significant focus, with signs articulating “YOU CROSSED AN OCEAN, WE CROSSED BORDERS,” and “Borders Are Imaginary Lines.” Calls for immigrant rights were strong, with messages like “Immigrants Built America! Keep the Immigrants! Deport the Racists!” and “NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND!” Support for Palestinian rights was also evident, with signs stating “STOP STARVING GAZA” and “Palestinians Have All Been Held Hostage Since 1967,” alongside calls to “Free Palestine.” Additionally, concerns about social security were voiced, with demands to protect the vital program. Amidst the serious topics, a touch of humor appeared on signs such as “I prefer CRUSHED ICE,” and a playful suggestion that “MOTHMAN would be a better President.”

The protest was notably peaceful throughout, with no counter-protesters present. In a show of solidarity, local firefighters joined the demonstration, appearing in their duty uniforms, mirroring the last protest I reported on where police officers in duty uniforms came to protest with us. Various organizational booths dotted the park, including “Washington Wildlife First,” which advocated for the state’s fish and wildlife, and another banner indicating support for the “Climate Alliance for the South Sound,” showcasing the breadth of issues resonating with attendees.

Many participants, including myself, remained at People’s Park well past the scheduled 1 PM end time. I stayed until 1:30 PM, and many more appeared willing to continue for another hour. This prolonged presence underscored the deep commitment and unified resolve of those who gathered to advocate for change and connection in the community, as I hear Trump’s parade didn’t go nearly as well.

For more Information on the protest, see: ‘No Kings’ protests draw thousands in and around Tacoma | Tacoma News Tribune

Over 730 protesters lined the busy intersection of South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way, WA on a sunny Saturday afternoon, demanding “Hands Off!” various aspects of civic life they feel are under attack by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

The event, titled “Hands Off! Federal Way Fights Back” and organized by volunteers through the ‘Mobilize’ platform, ran officially from 12 PM to 2 PM, though many participants remained longer. Attendees cited concerns over an attack on funds impacting critical areas, the current economic downturn, and perceived judicial attacks on rights as key motivators for the demonstration.

With a determined but peaceful atmosphere, participants (including me) held signs targeting specific areas of concern. Messages included, “HANDS OFF! CANCER RESEARCH”, “HANDS OFF DUE PROCESS”, “HANDS OFF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS”, “HANDS OFF OUR SCHOOLS”, “HANDS OFF OUR EQUALITY”, “HANDS OFF OUR CIVIL RIGHTS”, “HANDS OFF OUR PLANET”, “HANDS OFF OUR PEOPLE”, “HANDS OFF OUR CONSTITUTION”, “THREE EQUAL BRANCHES”, and many, many more reflecting a broad spectrum of grievances.

The protest was characterized by its grassroots nature, with no designated speakers or leaders, emphasizing a collective voice of equal people protesting. Chants of “Ban Trump” were frequently heard throughout the afternoon. The demonstration garnered visible support from the community, with numerous passing cars honking and waving in solidarity with protesters lining the road. I personally only counted 10 Trump supporters counter-protesting (albeit not for very long), I would estimate about 10-20 total showed up to counter-protest, symbolizing the death of an ideology.

Federal Way Police were present at the location. Attendees described the intersection with law enforcement as supportive, the officers even taking a moment to stand at a curb with protesters peacefully in solidarity. The stated goal of the demonstrators was to use their collective voice to overpower Trump and Elon.