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Protesters rally against Trump's immigration policies in downtown Chicago Saturday afternoon

Protesters in downtown Chicago rally against Trump's immigration policies
Protesters in downtown Chicago rally against Trump's immigration policies 02:20

CHICAGO (CBS) — A protest rally and march to Trump Tower originally planned for President Trump's second inauguration took place on Saturday in downtown Chicago, as activists called on the Trump administration to end violence in Gaza and halt plans for deportations.

Among the speakers was an immigrant rights advocate who made worldwide headlines almost two decades ago.

Their march to Trump Tower in Chicago originally was planned for Inauguration Day, but the bitter cold on Jan. 20 delayed their protest.

Speakers from a coalition of more than 60 organizations took the microphone in front of a crowd that first gathered at Water Tower Place.

"I'm here in solidarity, because I am human," said Elvira Arellano, whose story resonates now as it did nearly two decades ago.

In 2006, Arellano took refuge in a church in Humboldt Park while facing deportation.

She and her son, a citizen who was born in the U.S., stayed in the church for a year to avoid deportation, but that day came in 2007 when she left the church to attend a rally.

Arellano's story spread and so did her activism after she was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported to Mexico.

In 2014, she crossed the border and came back to Chicago.

"I come back in 2014, and I am here, because I am not criminal," she said.

Arellano admitted she's scared by the threat of deportation under the second Trump administration, but she said her love for family is much greater.

"My love for my family is greater, and also during the time when I was in the sanctuary, many people were very supportive, and it's important to support those who are undocumented," she said.

Arellano said she continues marching to support families just like her own.

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