Protesters in North Texas rally against new Trump immigration policies
DALLAS – Hundreds gathered in Dallas and Fort Worth on Sunday to protest President Donald Trump's new immigration policies.
Protesters filled sidewalks waving flags and holding signs at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas and near Trinity Park on 7th St. in Fort Worth.
News of the protest spread across social media over the weekend, with posts inviting people to "show up & speak up for those who can't."
"Don't be afraid if you can't speak up for yourself," said Joselin Ibarra, one of the two 16-year-old protest organizers. "There is someone out there that will. You know someone who is probably undocumented, a co-worker, a neighbor, so don't be mean. We're all human. We just came here for the American Dream."
The protest follows the Trump administration's announcement on Tuesday that it would allow federal immigration agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to make arrests at schools, churches and hospitals.
More than 1,000 people came out to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in a show of solidarity among immigrants and advocates opposed to the president's mass deportations. Chants of "Sí se puede" or "Yes we can," the battle cry for immigrants fighting for rights in the U.S., were heard widely and loudly.
One of the faith leaders who works directly with new and undocumented immigrants who've recently arrived in Dallas, pastor Isabel Marquez of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, was in attendance,
"We are asking for respect," Marquez said. "We are asking for the right to be respected and for freedom to have a better opportunity here in this country."
Many protesters told CBS News Texas there is a sense of fear and panic over what is taking place, but that they are holding out hope.
"I don't want to let fear consume me. I could see why people would have fear in times like these, but I for sure would say more hope," demonstrator Adair Olivarez said.
The Dallas Police Department said it would "not interfere with a lawful and peaceful assembly of any individuals or groups expressing their First Amendment rights. Participants will see our patrols as they always do at large events."
Organizers and advocates said they will continue these efforts as long as there continue to be changes in immigration enforcement by way of the Trump administration.
