Anti-ICE protesters occupy University of Washington building

Hundreds of demonstrators demand clearer policies from UW on ICE cooperation and protections for vulnerable students and workers

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters briefly occupied Gerberding Hall at the University of Washington on Friday as part of a nationwide movement. Demonstrators say they are demanding the university take clearer stances on ICE cooperation, surveillance practices, and supporting vulnerable students and workers. University officials said the group left voluntarily within an hour, and no damage was reported.

Why it matters

The occupation highlights ongoing tensions between anti-ICE activists and universities over the role of federal immigration enforcement on campuses. UW has faced pressure from students and community groups to take a stronger stance against ICE, but the administration has been reluctant to do so, leading to accusations that it is not doing enough to protect vulnerable members of the campus community.

The details

According to protesters, the group of 200-300 individuals, including middle school, high school and college students, entered Gerberding Hall on Friday afternoon and stood and shouted in the lobbies and stairwells. University officials said the group left the building voluntarily within an hour, and there was no reported damage. The protesters are demanding that UW publicly commit to complying with the Keep Washington Working Act, disclose any surveillance technology or agreements with federal immigration agencies, and take steps to protect migrant workers, faculty, students and patients from ICE.

  • The protesters occupied Gerberding Hall on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Students for Democratic Society UW

A student organization at the University of Washington that has been leading the anti-ICE protests on campus.

Mathieu Chabaud

A member of Students for Democratic Society UW who spoke to FOX 13 Seattle about the group's demands.

University of Washington

The public research university where the protest took place.

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What they’re saying

“I think the University of Washington should pay attention to the fact that so many people are concerned about their policies regarding ICE and their lack of action because these aren't just current students that currently attend the University of Washington concerned, these are parents of students and these are future students.”

— Mathieu Chabaud, Member, Students for Democratic Society UW (FOX 13 Seattle)

What’s next

University officials have said they are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with law enforcement to maintain a safe campus environment. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the university meets their demands.

The takeaway

The occupation of Gerberding Hall reflects the growing activism around immigration issues on college campuses, as students and community members pressure universities to take stronger stances against federal immigration enforcement. The University of Washington's response will be closely watched as an indicator of how other institutions navigate these complex and politically charged debates.