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Spokane Billboard Campaign Challenges ICE

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. 7/spokane-billboard-campaign-challenges-ice.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 11:59 GMT by Seattle Times
      Locale: Washington, UNITED STATES

Spokane, WA - February 17th, 2026 - A striking series of billboards have begun appearing across Spokane County, signaling a surge in local resistance to increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement under the continued policies of the Trump administration. At least seven billboards, strategically placed along major commuter routes, display stark messages challenging the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The campaign is funded by No More Deaths, a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting human rights abuses and providing aid to migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The billboards, which began appearing earlier this week, feature slogans such as "ICE = Fear. Resista" and "Defund ICE," representing a growing national movement advocating for significant reforms - and in some cases, the complete dismantling - of the federal agency. Chris Fischer, an organizer with No More Deaths, explained the impetus behind the Spokane campaign: "We're seeing a marked escalation in deportation raids and detentions nationwide, creating a climate of fear within immigrant communities. These billboards aren't just advertisements; they're a deliberate act of raising awareness and demonstrating solidarity with those directly impacted."

This isn't an isolated incident. Similar billboard campaigns have sprung up in cities across the United States, often coinciding with periods of heightened ICE activity. The group's efforts reflect a broader strategy that includes direct action protests, legal challenges to ICE policies, and extensive documentation of alleged abuses within the immigration detention system. No More Deaths has been particularly vocal about conditions within detention centers, claiming widespread reports of medical neglect, inadequate legal representation, and inhumane treatment.

The response within Spokane has been predictably polarized. While some residents have voiced support, expressing approval with honks and positive feedback, others have criticized the billboards as divisive and inflammatory. Susan Miller, a local resident interviewed near one of the displays, stated, "I believe in compassion, absolutely, but I question whether billboards are the most effective way to foster understanding. It feels like it just adds to the existing tension."

David Jones, however, offered a contrasting perspective. "ICE's actions have been creating a constant state of anxiety for many in our community," he explained. "These billboards serve as a necessary, visible reminder of the injustices that are happening right here, right now. It's about holding ICE accountable."

The Escalation of ICE Activity & the 'Defund ICE' Movement

The context behind these billboards is crucial. Since President Trump first took office, ICE has significantly expanded its operations, leading to a substantial increase in deportations. While the administration argues this is necessary for national security and upholding immigration laws, critics maintain it represents a systematic violation of human rights and the separation of families. [ Further details on the increase in deportations can be found here: https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/ice-deportations-statistics ].

The "Defund ICE" movement, gaining momentum since 2018, advocates for reallocating funds away from ICE and towards community-based support services for immigrants, such as legal aid, healthcare, and education. Proponents argue that diverting resources away from enforcement and towards social services would not only be more humane but also more effective in addressing the root causes of migration. This perspective highlights a fundamental disagreement on the best approach to immigration policy - one focusing on punishment and control, versus one prioritizing support and integration.

No More Deaths' Expanding Role

No More Deaths, founded in 2004, has a long history of direct intervention in the borderlands, providing water, food, and medical assistance to migrants attempting to cross the dangerous terrain. The organization has also faced legal challenges for its activities, including accusations of obstructing law enforcement. [ Information on No More Deaths' history and work can be found here: https://nomoredeaths.org/ ]. Their expansion into billboard campaigns demonstrates a shift in strategy, aiming to reach a broader audience and influence public opinion beyond the immediate border region.

When contacted for comment, ICE declined to respond to the billboards or the criticisms leveled against its policies. This silence underscores the growing chasm between the agency and its critics, who accuse ICE of operating with a lack of transparency and accountability. As immigration continues to be a hotly debated topic, the Spokane billboards serve as a potent symbol of the escalating conflict and the unwavering commitment of activists to challenge the status quo.