Peaceful protest in the park, fireworks after dark at Seattle anti-ICE demonstration

Like so many Seattle protests, it started out peacefully. By the end of the night, there was smoke and pepper spray in the air and Seattle Police made several arrests.

Seattleites assembled at Cal Anderson Park on Wednesday night for a third day of protest against President Donald Trump’s mass deportations and increasing military presence at anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles.

After speeches, chants, and free haircuts to raise money for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at Cal Anderson, the crowd marched downtown, headed for the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building.

As the sun went down, a smaller group of protesters vandalized the building, set a dumpster on fire, and burned an American flag at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Marion Street.

There was a tense standoff with Seattle bike police, who had been keeping a low profile. Then, just before 10 p.m., a firework exploded up the hill. Police rushed the crowd, tackled some protesters and made arrests.

By then, some people had already decided to leave early, saying they don't support the fires or fights with law enforcement, they just want to support immigrants.

Wednesday’s protest came amid reports that the Trump administration may deploy ICE Special Response Teams to Seattle and other Democratic-led cities, as he’s done in Los Angeles.

Mayor Bruce Harrell told KUOW earlier on Wednesday that he stands with lawful protestors and opposes the President's policies, calling Seattle "a welcoming city." New Chief of Police Shon Barnes said on Tuesday that he expects to be jailed at some point for standing up to the Trump Administration.

There are more rallies planned across Western Washington on Saturday as part of a coordinated nationwide "No Kings" protest against the administration.