Seattle’s socialist mayor Katie Wilson is facing protests from members of the local Chinese and Vietnamese communities ahead of a U.S. World Cup match held in the city. Residents and business owners in the Chinatown International District (CID) and "Little Saigon" accuse Wilson of neglecting their neighborhoods, which they say have become plagued by crime and open-air drug dealing.

One protest organizer, Gary Lee, a CID advocate, told KIRO 7, "Wilson claims to be an advocate for marginalized communities of color, but all she did was turn the CID into a human dumping ground and we’ve had enough."

Despite Seattle hosting major World Cup matches, including the U.S. versus Belgium game, local businesses report a significant decline in foot traffic and sales, with some seeing a 10-20% drop, according to community activist and former city council member Tanya Woo as reported by Fox 13 Seattle. Business owners describe the area as feeling like a "ghost town," contrasting with packed venues like the waterfront and Pioneer Square.

Wilson’s office acknowledged in a statement to KIRO 7 that "crime and disorder issues in the CID have gone unaddressed for far too long."

The protests have taken place in front of World Cup crowds, reflecting mounting frustration with the mayor’s leadership and the impact on the local economy and community safety.

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