A state of emergency has been declared in Spokane, Washington, following protests against the detainment of a venezuelan man seeking asylum. Mayor Lisa Brown issued a curfew, effective from 9:30 p.m.Wednesday until 5 a.m., after protesters reportedly failed to cooperate with law enforcement.

The curfew covered downtown Spokane, specifically the area from boone Ave to Spokane Falls Blvd and Howard St to Division St, including Riverfront Park. The demonstrations were sparked by a call to action from former Spokane City Councilman Ben Stuckart, who sought support for the detained man.

According to Stuckart, he became the legal guardian of the 21-year-old Venezuelan man three weeks prior. “ACTION ALERT: Three weeks ago I became the legal guardian to a young man from Venezuela seeking asylum. He has turned in all paperwork and has a future court hearing. I whent with him to ICE check in today. They detained him and are shipping him to Tacoma,” his post read. “I am asking that if you care at all about these illegal detainers you meet me at 411 West Cataldo by 2pm. I am going to sit in front of the bus. Feel free to join me…….The Latino community needs the rest of our community now. Not tonight, not Saturday but right now!!!!”