JCIRA EVENTS & Protests
From its beginnings, JCIRA has organized and participated in events that have protested our unfair immigration laws, provided help to immigrants, and celebrated the contributions of our immigrant community. In 2025, those efforts have continued. Here is just a sampling. Members have participated in many other events, including the nationwide no "No Kings" protest, where more than 2,000 people turned out in Port Townsend the first time, and 3,000 at the second.
Dia de los Muertos at NW Detention Center
November 1, 2025 marked the Day of the Dead vigil and protest at the NW Detention Center. The event balanced a memorial honoring the 25 people killed in ICE Custody in the last year, including 4 at the Tacoma center, with a loud protest. All those attended could only hope that detainees inside the building could hear the chants and noisemaking, so they would understand they had supporters outside. Several people from JCIRA attended.
Altar at dia de los muertos
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Protest and Vigil on Labor Day
On September 1, JCIRA members participated in both a protest on Sims Way in Port Townsend, where 725 people took part. Later, there was a vigil at the fountain to support immigrants.
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Port Townsend Rhody Parade - May 17
JCIRA participates in many community events including the Port Townsend Rhody Parade, where, once again, we were well represented this year.
We appreciate the support we receive from the people of Port Townsend.
We're all in it together!
JCIRA participates in many community events including the Port Townsend Rhody Parade, where, once again, we were well represented this year.
We appreciate the support we receive from the people of Port Townsend.
We're all in it together!
Northwest Detention Center Protest - March 1
This demonstration at the Northwest Detention Center (a.k.a. ICE Processing Center) was sponsored by La Resistencia. A grassroots organization that has been working to end detentions of immigrants and deportations since 2014. The detention center is owned by GEO Group, a private company, which formerly forced detainees to do the cleaning and maintenance of the facility. When it lost a lawsuit brought by Washington state that required GEO to pay workers the minimum wage, the company stopped using the detainees, but left the center so dirty that many people became ill. Several JCIRA members attended to show our support for the detainees there, where conditions have not improved.
This demonstration at the Northwest Detention Center (a.k.a. ICE Processing Center) was sponsored by La Resistencia. A grassroots organization that has been working to end detentions of immigrants and deportations since 2014. The detention center is owned by GEO Group, a private company, which formerly forced detainees to do the cleaning and maintenance of the facility. When it lost a lawsuit brought by Washington state that required GEO to pay workers the minimum wage, the company stopped using the detainees, but left the center so dirty that many people became ill. Several JCIRA members attended to show our support for the detainees there, where conditions have not improved.
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Not My President's Day - February 17
More than 800 people showed up at the Jefferson County Courthouse on February 17 to protest the actions of the new administration. JCIRA members showed up in force to join in with our voices on behalf of immigrants and vulnerable people.
More than 800 people showed up at the Jefferson County Courthouse on February 17 to protest the actions of the new administration. JCIRA members showed up in force to join in with our voices on behalf of immigrants and vulnerable people.
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Immigrant Refugee and Advocacy Day (IRAD) - January 30
Once again this year, JCIRA participated in IRAD, organized by Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) in Olympia. The event advocates for state legislation to benefit refugee and immigrant communities.
Once again this year, JCIRA participated in IRAD, organized by Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) in Olympia. The event advocates for state legislation to benefit refugee and immigrant communities.
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People's March Port Townsend - January 18
At the People's March in Port Townsend, more than 600 people participated to demonstrate our community's support for people of all colors, sexual and gender identities, and for all immigrants.
At the People's March in Port Townsend, more than 600 people participated to demonstrate our community's support for people of all colors, sexual and gender identities, and for all immigrants.
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JCIRA Community Meeting - January 9
A huge crowd showed up at the Quimper Grange on January 9 at the JCIRA Community Meeting to show their concerns for our immigrant friends and neighbors and to learn how to help now. More than 160 people crammed into the venue, so many that a large crowd remained outside, unable to get in. Opening with a touching song, "Our Lady of the Harbor," a reminder of the Statue of Liberty and all she represents, the meeting included a video of the threatening actions of ICE and the Border Patrol on the Olympic Peninsula in the past. Featuring speakers from JCIRA and WAISN, along with the Acting Sheriff of Jefferson County and Port Townsend Chief of Police, the meeting resulted in the signup of many new volunteers for JCIRA, whom we welcome in these troubling times.
A huge crowd showed up at the Quimper Grange on January 9 at the JCIRA Community Meeting to show their concerns for our immigrant friends and neighbors and to learn how to help now. More than 160 people crammed into the venue, so many that a large crowd remained outside, unable to get in. Opening with a touching song, "Our Lady of the Harbor," a reminder of the Statue of Liberty and all she represents, the meeting included a video of the threatening actions of ICE and the Border Patrol on the Olympic Peninsula in the past. Featuring speakers from JCIRA and WAISN, along with the Acting Sheriff of Jefferson County and Port Townsend Chief of Police, the meeting resulted in the signup of many new volunteers for JCIRA, whom we welcome in these troubling times.
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