On January 26, 2026, a group of about 200 protesters rallied in downtown Olympia. Their signs sported various phrases such as “Abolish ICE” and “ICE Out Everywhere.” Some signs also spoke out about the Alex Pretti and Renee Good shootings in Minneapolis.
What Has Been Reported
Olympia police became aware of said protest around 5pm and officers were sent to monitor the situation (Moreno). Later, a group of 100 people broke off and marched to, and through, Capital Mall. The group at the mall eventually dwindled down to about 80. The group that migrated to the mall eventually made their way to Target as the mall was starting to close (Boone).
Protesters ventured to Target around 8pm, the officers followed to the parking lot, but not inside the store. Afterward, employees reported a few floor displays messed up and possibly a fire alarm set off. After their go through Target, the group of 80 returned to Heritage Fountain to reunite with the other protesters. Where the overall protest later ended around 9pm (Fitzgerald).
Aside from the fact that they pushed over a Starbucks display and knocked over some mannequins, it was overall a peaceful protest (Boone). No arrests were made, nor were any injuries reported (Moreno).
All in all, it was a non-violent protest of people speaking for what they believe in. Even if you disagree with their protests, it’s still pretty amazing how so many people can get together for a common cause.
A Firsthand Account
Co-writer of this article, Emily Sieroslawski, was having dinner at the Capitol Mall when the protesters made their way inside. This is Emily’s personal account of the event.
We were just leaving when we hear a bunch of shouting and loud noises behind us. I turn around and see this mob-like thing making its way through the mall. Honestly, it was kind of cool to see such a big protest in person, but at the same time, it was kind of scary. When we left, we saw the police lights and the protesters outside; I don’t think the police were there to arrest anyone though.
I don’t believe the protesters had violent intentions. I feel like the people were kind of angry, or fed up, with ICE. It’s sad we have to have protests for these kinds of things, but sometimes it’s necessary for stuff to be done.
Works Cited
Boone, Rolf. “Hundreds gather in downtown Olympia to protest ICE. ‘We want our country back.’” The Olympian, 27 January 2026, https://amp.theolympian.com/news/local/article314466098.html.
Fitzgerald, Emily. “Downtown Olympia anti-ICE protest was ‘relatively peaceful,’ police say.” The Chronicle, 27 January 2026, https://www.chronline.com/stories/downtown-olympia-anti-ice-protest-was-relatively-peaceful-olympia-police-say,395374? Accessed 28 January 2026.
Moreno, Joel. “Hundreds gather in downtown Olympia to protest ICE operations.” Komo News, 27 January 2026, https://komonews.com/news/local/hundreds-gather-in-downtown-olympia-washington-to-protest-ice-operations-federal-agents-shoot-kill-armed-man-in-minneapolis-border-patrol-shooting-anti-ice-trump-fbi-politics. Accessed 28 January 2026.
