Thousands march through downtown Seattle to protest immigration ban

SEATTLE -- Large crowds marched through the streets Sunday evening in Seattle to protest President Donald Trump's immigration ban, chanting "no ban, no wall."

A protest called "Stand with Immigrants! - Emergency Rally" began at 5 p.m. at Westlake Park. A Facebook event for the rally shows as many as 11,000 people planned to attend.

Governor Jay Inslee, Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, members of the Seattle City Council and other local politicians were at the event. The event quickly grew, and soon multiple streets in the area were blocked.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray urged protesters in the city to stand in their doorways at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, holding a phone or a candle to "shine a light."

"We as a city will stand with immigrants and refugees," said Murray, who has vowed to maintain Seattle's status as a sanctuary city for immigrants despite a Trump threat to withhold federal funds.

Jayapal, Seattle's congressional representative, told the crowd "we are going to fight this every step of the way."

Around 6 p.m., Gov. Inslee spoke to the crowd. A short time later, the crowds largely left Westlake Park and took to the streets.

Sound Transit said in a release they expected higher than usual passenger volumes for Sunday evening, especially at Westlake Station. All Sound Transit trains operated with three cars and additional trains will respond to surges in demand.

Sound Transit also said riders should expect significant delays on ST Express bus service traveling through downtown Seattle.

On Saturday night, about 3,000 protesters took to Sea-Tac International Airport to rally against the ban. The crowd dispersed shortly after midnight, but about 30 to 35 were arrested during the demonstration and face various misdemeanor charges.

No damage was reported and no flights were delayed.

Individuals detained at Sea-Tac as a result of Trump's executive order were later released.

It was not immediately known if any protests would take place Sunday at Sea-Tac.

Trump’s executive order bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of all refugees for 120 days.