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Protesters march against Trump immigration policies – live updates Protesters march against Trump immigration policies – live updates
(35 minutes later)
One message repeated over and over again today: “Remember in November.”
Diane Guerrero, actress from Orange is the New Black, who was left alone at 14-years-old when her family was deported, repeated the message again to a crowd in Washington DC.
Remember this in November, when we march to the polls... Remember in November that the end to these cruel policies starts with us... Te amo mama, papa hermano, te amo and I miss you every day.”
Here’s a bit more about what’s happening in New York City, where thousands have gathered downtown:
Protesters are chanting “Shame!” and singing “Shut detention down!” at the kickoff of a New York City march denouncing the Trump administration’s policy of separating families of people caught crossing the border illegally.
Crowds gathered in sweltering 86-degree morning heat on Saturday at a Manhattan park before a march across the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, near the federal courthouse. The crowd provided a refrain of “shame” as an organizer ran down a list of people marchers are blaming for the family separations.
Among their targets: President Donald Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the agencies Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.
This speech from civil rights icon and US Representative John Lewis has a crowd chanting “Vote! Vote! Vote!” in Atlanta, Georgia.
Some of you know when I was very young, had all of my hair and a few pounds lighter, there were people that said we would never get a Civil Rights Act or a Voting Rights Act, but we marched.
We were arrested, we were jailed, we were beaten, but we didn’t give up. We must not give up. I will tell you one thing that we all can do, we all can do is continue to appeal to our beloved communities.
We are one family. We are one family. We all live in the same house, not just the American house, but the world house. We are all brothers and sisters. It doesn’t matter if we are black or white, Asian, Latino, we are all one people.
Maybe our foremothers and forefathers all came to this land in different ships, but we are all in the same boat now. There is no such thing as an illegal human being. We all are human.
And we must teach people in power that we will not be satisfied with the order of things. I’m not satisfied. There are hundreds of members of Congress that are not satisfied. There are many candidates running that are not satisfied.
I’ll say to each and everyone of you, when the Election Day comes around we have to go out and vote like we’ve never voted before.
Alicia Keys, the 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer, just gave an impassioned speech about fighting to “save the soul” of America, something we’ve heard again and again from protesters.Alicia Keys, the 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer, just gave an impassioned speech about fighting to “save the soul” of America, something we’ve heard again and again from protesters.
Our democracy is at stake, our humanity is at stake. We are out here to save the soul of our nation.Our democracy is at stake, our humanity is at stake. We are out here to save the soul of our nation.
We need all the children reunited to their parents. We demand to end the zero humanity policy. We need to save the Supreme Court. And we need to vote. Because when we vote we win. And so America, and I want you to join us to say we’re not backing down.We need all the children reunited to their parents. We demand to end the zero humanity policy. We need to save the Supreme Court. And we need to vote. Because when we vote we win. And so America, and I want you to join us to say we’re not backing down.
The crowd, gathered in downtown New York City, chanted back, “We’re not backing down!” The speech came just after Lin-Manuel Miranda sang a lullaby for the children separated from their families.The crowd, gathered in downtown New York City, chanted back, “We’re not backing down!” The speech came just after Lin-Manuel Miranda sang a lullaby for the children separated from their families.
"Our democracy is at stake. Our humanity is at stake ... We demand an end to the zero humanity policy"— Alicia Keys at the #FamiliesBelongTogetherMarch in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/HolNSiyJMd"Our democracy is at stake. Our humanity is at stake ... We demand an end to the zero humanity policy"— Alicia Keys at the #FamiliesBelongTogetherMarch in Washington, D.C. pic.twitter.com/HolNSiyJMd
Let’s just return for one moment to the lullaby Lin-Manuel Miranda sang at the march in New York City. Check out this video below.Let’s just return for one moment to the lullaby Lin-Manuel Miranda sang at the march in New York City. Check out this video below.
Lin-Manuel Miranda is singing a lullaby for children separated from their parents pic.twitter.com/csctFNjR5TLin-Manuel Miranda is singing a lullaby for children separated from their parents pic.twitter.com/csctFNjR5T
Here’s a dispatch from Guardian US reporter Lucia Graves, who is on the ground in Washington DC:Here’s a dispatch from Guardian US reporter Lucia Graves, who is on the ground in Washington DC:
The lineup of DC speakers began with a mother affected by Trump’s immigration policies, who told the assembling masses after she was put in detention, she was separated from her son for nine months, during which time she was told he could be put up for adoption.The lineup of DC speakers began with a mother affected by Trump’s immigration policies, who told the assembling masses after she was put in detention, she was separated from her son for nine months, during which time she was told he could be put up for adoption.
“I was terrified I might never see him again,” she told crowds braving what, by shortly after 11 am, was already 90-degree heat.“I was terrified I might never see him again,” she told crowds braving what, by shortly after 11 am, was already 90-degree heat.
“Shame!” the crowd chanted. “Families belong together!” Among them were Stephen Spitz and Kristin Cabral, who’ve become what you might call regulars to the White House front lawn. “For the past year and a half, I’ve been marching practically every day,” Spitz said. Asked which protests he’s attended he quipped, “The question is which ones haven’t I attended!”“Shame!” the crowd chanted. “Families belong together!” Among them were Stephen Spitz and Kristin Cabral, who’ve become what you might call regulars to the White House front lawn. “For the past year and a half, I’ve been marching practically every day,” Spitz said. Asked which protests he’s attended he quipped, “The question is which ones haven’t I attended!”
Spitz was last out here as recently as Tuesday, when Supreme Court justices issued a long-awaited ruling in Trump v Hawaii, in which it upheld Trump’s travel ban restricting travel and immigration from seven countries, many of them majority-Muslim ones.Spitz was last out here as recently as Tuesday, when Supreme Court justices issued a long-awaited ruling in Trump v Hawaii, in which it upheld Trump’s travel ban restricting travel and immigration from seven countries, many of them majority-Muslim ones.
“That’s part of it,” he said about why he’s out today. “This is all part of the same thing.”“That’s part of it,” he said about why he’s out today. “This is all part of the same thing.”
The tenure remained respectful and peace-oriented as speakers took the stage Saturday. Some, like Gabriel Kolmisar and Amy Troxel of DC’s Socialist Snack Squad, were out with backpacks full of water bottles and snacks to keep people fueled (full disclosure: this Guardian reporter accepted a bag of Cheetz-Its.)The tenure remained respectful and peace-oriented as speakers took the stage Saturday. Some, like Gabriel Kolmisar and Amy Troxel of DC’s Socialist Snack Squad, were out with backpacks full of water bottles and snacks to keep people fueled (full disclosure: this Guardian reporter accepted a bag of Cheetz-Its.)
Others showed up as family units, no longer taking the privilege for granted. “We’re a family unit and nobody has separated us yet,” Chris Fondi, who attended the march with two adult sisters, Laura Fondi and Ann Fondi. Pushing her nephew toward the Guardian she quipped, “Though if you’d like to take him, he’s college educated.”Others showed up as family units, no longer taking the privilege for granted. “We’re a family unit and nobody has separated us yet,” Chris Fondi, who attended the march with two adult sisters, Laura Fondi and Ann Fondi. Pushing her nephew toward the Guardian she quipped, “Though if you’d like to take him, he’s college educated.”
This protester told me she didn’t want her name or face with her sign. “Not in today’s world.” pic.twitter.com/W6CuzTzWt8This protester told me she didn’t want her name or face with her sign. “Not in today’s world.” pic.twitter.com/W6CuzTzWt8
Lin Manuel Miranda just sang Dear Theodosia, a song about children from his blockbuster play Hamilton. Here’s a sample from the chorus:Lin Manuel Miranda just sang Dear Theodosia, a song about children from his blockbuster play Hamilton. Here’s a sample from the chorus:
You’ll come of age with our young nationWe’ll bleed and fight for youWe’ll make it right for youIf we lay a strong enough foundationWe’ll pass it on to youWe’ll give the world to you and you’ll blow us all awaySomeday, somedayYeah, you’ll blow us all awaySomeday, somedayYou’ll come of age with our young nationWe’ll bleed and fight for youWe’ll make it right for youIf we lay a strong enough foundationWe’ll pass it on to youWe’ll give the world to you and you’ll blow us all awaySomeday, somedayYeah, you’ll blow us all awaySomeday, someday
I just spoke to a woman protesting in Indiana – Vice President Mike Pence’s home state – where “thousands” are standing outside the statehouse in Indianapolis.I just spoke to a woman protesting in Indiana – Vice President Mike Pence’s home state – where “thousands” are standing outside the statehouse in Indianapolis.
“Our country is really really close to the edge of the abyss, of just committing some serious human rights violations, and in fact we have already,” said Mahri Irvine, a 35-year-old anthropologist, as people cheered in the background.“Our country is really really close to the edge of the abyss, of just committing some serious human rights violations, and in fact we have already,” said Mahri Irvine, a 35-year-old anthropologist, as people cheered in the background.
“To me, it’s upsetting if people don’t have that level of imagine to think – how would I feel if I had to flee a violent country, and I was incarcerated, and my children were taken away from me?”“To me, it’s upsetting if people don’t have that level of imagine to think – how would I feel if I had to flee a violent country, and I was incarcerated, and my children were taken away from me?”
People have been standing outside the Indiana statehouse for hours, even though temperatures are expected to top out in the 90s today (around 35C).People have been standing outside the Indiana statehouse for hours, even though temperatures are expected to top out in the 90s today (around 35C).
“It’s incredibly hot, I’ve been hiding in the shade the whole time and I am just sweating,” she said.“It’s incredibly hot, I’ve been hiding in the shade the whole time and I am just sweating,” she said.
It's a gorgeous (and hot!!!) day in #Indianapolis and I'm proud to join thousands of #patriotic #Americans from #Indiana as we protest against @GOP #xenophobia, #nationalism, and #racism! We must defend our #Americanvalues!#FamiliesBelongTogetherMarch pic.twitter.com/1Ltt6cDHDSIt's a gorgeous (and hot!!!) day in #Indianapolis and I'm proud to join thousands of #patriotic #Americans from #Indiana as we protest against @GOP #xenophobia, #nationalism, and #racism! We must defend our #Americanvalues!#FamiliesBelongTogetherMarch pic.twitter.com/1Ltt6cDHDS
From Dallas, Texas – the city the Texas Tribune calls one of the “blue dots in Texas’ red political sea” – we have this dispatch from the Associated Press.From Dallas, Texas – the city the Texas Tribune calls one of the “blue dots in Texas’ red political sea” – we have this dispatch from the Associated Press.
Hundreds of protesters in downtown Dallas are calling for a clear plan to reunify families separated under President Donald Trump’s policy of separating immigrant families.Hundreds of protesters in downtown Dallas are calling for a clear plan to reunify families separated under President Donald Trump’s policy of separating immigrant families.
The protesters, many donning white T-shirts and clothing, carried protest signs and gathered in mass outside Dallas city hall.The protesters, many donning white T-shirts and clothing, carried protest signs and gathered in mass outside Dallas city hall.
One protest sign read, “Compassion not cruelty” while another said simply: “Vote”One protest sign read, “Compassion not cruelty” while another said simply: “Vote”
Another sign said, “November is coming.”Another sign said, “November is coming.”
Protest organizer Michelle Wentz says opposition to the policy has seemed to cross political party lines. She called it a “barbaric and inhumane” policy.Protest organizer Michelle Wentz says opposition to the policy has seemed to cross political party lines. She called it a “barbaric and inhumane” policy.
Protesters continued to stream in to the area as people registered demonstrators to vote.Protesters continued to stream in to the area as people registered demonstrators to vote.
The hum of side conversations gave way to chants of “We care!” outside city hall.The hum of side conversations gave way to chants of “We care!” outside city hall.
People calling for reunification, compassion & action. Also, encouraging voter registration & a strong turnout on Election Day. #FamiliesBelongTogther march at Dallas City Hall. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/x2tNTKSIaLPeople calling for reunification, compassion & action. Also, encouraging voter registration & a strong turnout on Election Day. #FamiliesBelongTogther march at Dallas City Hall. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/x2tNTKSIaL
US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a progressive from Massachusetts, just spoke in Boston to an adoring crowd. We’re tracking down more of her comments now.US Senator Elizabeth Warren, a progressive from Massachusetts, just spoke in Boston to an adoring crowd. We’re tracking down more of her comments now.
Cheers for @SenWarren“This is about human beings, about mamas who want their children back...This is wrong and this is not the way to run our country.”#FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/e8QF9xsdxBCheers for @SenWarren“This is about human beings, about mamas who want their children back...This is wrong and this is not the way to run our country.”#FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/e8QF9xsdxB
Guardian US reporters Oliver Laughland and Tom Silverstone interviewed a family that was separated at the border and, more than a month later, reunited.Guardian US reporters Oliver Laughland and Tom Silverstone interviewed a family that was separated at the border and, more than a month later, reunited.
Their story is uncommon – many families are still separated – but no less harrowing.Their story is uncommon – many families are still separated – but no less harrowing.
The children describe sleeping in a windowless cement room. Without clocks or sunlight, it was impossible to tell whether it was day or night. They had no place to sit, only were given mylar blankets and called “donkeys” by immigration agents, they said.The children describe sleeping in a windowless cement room. Without clocks or sunlight, it was impossible to tell whether it was day or night. They had no place to sit, only were given mylar blankets and called “donkeys” by immigration agents, they said.
Crowds are gathering in Washington for the Families Belong Together march in Lafayette Square park, across from the White House. Despite the extreme heat hundreds of thousands are expected to gather to call for the reuniting of families separated under Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy, though it was off to a slow start in the hour before start time.Crowds are gathering in Washington for the Families Belong Together march in Lafayette Square park, across from the White House. Despite the extreme heat hundreds of thousands are expected to gather to call for the reuniting of families separated under Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy, though it was off to a slow start in the hour before start time.
The estimates come according to organizers of the day’s event, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union and dozens of other advocacy groups in charge of the days march, one of 130 sister marches around the country.The estimates come according to organizers of the day’s event, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union and dozens of other advocacy groups in charge of the days march, one of 130 sister marches around the country.
It will feature star speakers Lin-Manuel Miranda and America Ferrera, and — an hour before it’s slated start time Saturday — it was off to a peaceful start.It will feature star speakers Lin-Manuel Miranda and America Ferrera, and — an hour before it’s slated start time Saturday — it was off to a peaceful start.
John Holland of Takoma Park, Maryland, the de facto hippie suburb of Washington, was among a group of early-assembled Buddhist-affiliated protesters who held hands singing and playing a Tibetan singing bowl in the moments before the rally, as a speaker described the “amazing effect it can have on everyone if we move slowly.”John Holland of Takoma Park, Maryland, the de facto hippie suburb of Washington, was among a group of early-assembled Buddhist-affiliated protesters who held hands singing and playing a Tibetan singing bowl in the moments before the rally, as a speaker described the “amazing effect it can have on everyone if we move slowly.”
Asked why he’d come out to brave the 95-degree heat, the Takoma Park native quipped “peer pressure.”Asked why he’d come out to brave the 95-degree heat, the Takoma Park native quipped “peer pressure.”
Like many of those gathering ahead of the rally, Holland also attended the Women’s March on Washington’s National Mall, which in the wake of Trump’s inauguration has turned into the site of perennial protests, including the March for Science last year, and more recently, the student-led March for Our Lives, in the wake of the Parkland shooting.Like many of those gathering ahead of the rally, Holland also attended the Women’s March on Washington’s National Mall, which in the wake of Trump’s inauguration has turned into the site of perennial protests, including the March for Science last year, and more recently, the student-led March for Our Lives, in the wake of the Parkland shooting.
The protest comes on the heels of a tumultuous week in Washington, with the resignation of Anthony Kennedy from the Supreme Court and a newsroom shooting in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. But most of those assembling outside the White House want to talk about immigration, aThe protest comes on the heels of a tumultuous week in Washington, with the resignation of Anthony Kennedy from the Supreme Court and a newsroom shooting in nearby Annapolis, Maryland. But most of those assembling outside the White House want to talk about immigration, a
And the estimated 2,000 children have already been separated at the border —and they are dissatisfied with the administration’s feeble walk backs.And the estimated 2,000 children have already been separated at the border —and they are dissatisfied with the administration’s feeble walk backs.
Hoisting a “Make The Handmaid’s Tale Fiction Again” sign, Kate Earle of Maryland told the Guardian “reunification of families is a start but locking them up together is not a solution.”Hoisting a “Make The Handmaid’s Tale Fiction Again” sign, Kate Earle of Maryland told the Guardian “reunification of families is a start but locking them up together is not a solution.”
You might notice protesters are wearing white. Organizers explained why:You might notice protesters are wearing white. Organizers explained why:
The lead partners of this action are calling upon participants to wear white—as a striking visual symbol that will also connect attendees in solidarity to each-other and channel historic social justice movements unified by one color of clothing.The lead partners of this action are calling upon participants to wear white—as a striking visual symbol that will also connect attendees in solidarity to each-other and channel historic social justice movements unified by one color of clothing.
GIRL POWER! 💥 @paolamendoza @sarahsophief @glopan and @dorieklein pic.twitter.com/1qzwpHyq7EGIRL POWER! 💥 @paolamendoza @sarahsophief @glopan and @dorieklein pic.twitter.com/1qzwpHyq7E
If the “zero tolerance” family separations policy has evoked one image, it’s children “in cages”.If the “zero tolerance” family separations policy has evoked one image, it’s children “in cages”.
Protesters have seized on images of children locked in detention facilities, wrapped in mylar blankets – the silver foil sort usually reserved for natural disasters.Protesters have seized on images of children locked in detention facilities, wrapped in mylar blankets – the silver foil sort usually reserved for natural disasters.
Although children who crossed the border alone were held in similar detention facilities during the Obama administration, children separated from their parents at the border have tended to be much younger.Although children who crossed the border alone were held in similar detention facilities during the Obama administration, children separated from their parents at the border have tended to be much younger.
#FamiliesBelongTogether rally, protesting the immigration detention of children, held in front of the US consulate in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/EcCNWaaTrw#FamiliesBelongTogether rally, protesting the immigration detention of children, held in front of the US consulate in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/EcCNWaaTrw
Marches are beginning to gather in Washington DC, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina, and University Hill, Maryland. There’s even a protest at the US consulate in Toronto, Canada.Marches are beginning to gather in Washington DC, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, North Carolina, and University Hill, Maryland. There’s even a protest at the US consulate in Toronto, Canada.
Below is the protest gathering in Foley Square in New York City.Below is the protest gathering in Foley Square in New York City.
🥁 @FogoAzulNY is rocking Foley Square with us RIGHT NOW! 🥁 See you there! #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/fDQ68BHJ5Z🥁 @FogoAzulNY is rocking Foley Square with us RIGHT NOW! 🥁 See you there! #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/fDQ68BHJ5Z
Here are some of the signs people made for today’s marches.Here are some of the signs people made for today’s marches.
Today, we will pick up our signs, lace up our shoes, and make our voices heard. Are you ready? #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/VefCE3ZBiSToday, we will pick up our signs, lace up our shoes, and make our voices heard. Are you ready? #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/VefCE3ZBiS
On our way! #AbolishICE pic.twitter.com/hdNVX1drgtOn our way! #AbolishICE pic.twitter.com/hdNVX1drgt
“Stop ignorance, not immigrants”#FamiliesBelongTogether https://t.co/QR19GnatjX“Stop ignorance, not immigrants”#FamiliesBelongTogether https://t.co/QR19GnatjX
Here is a reminder of why people are marching. Beginning in May, the Trump administration announced a “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that meant every migrant caught crossing the border would be criminally prosecuted.Here is a reminder of why people are marching. Beginning in May, the Trump administration announced a “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that meant every migrant caught crossing the border would be criminally prosecuted.
However, because children cannot be held indefinitely in detention, the Trump administration decided in order to prosecute parents, it needed to separate them from children.However, because children cannot be held indefinitely in detention, the Trump administration decided in order to prosecute parents, it needed to separate them from children.
Since, more than 2,300 families have been separated at the border – children from parents, and siblings from one another. There is no clear system for reuniting the children, and though the Trump administration walked back its zero tolerance policy, very few families appear to have been reunited.Since, more than 2,300 families have been separated at the border – children from parents, and siblings from one another. There is no clear system for reuniting the children, and though the Trump administration walked back its zero tolerance policy, very few families appear to have been reunited.
Watch the story of one parent’s separation below.Watch the story of one parent’s separation below.
"It's been 50 days since I heard of my son"Mother describes her ordeal in a Texas migrant detention center. #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/Yo5qopWVt3"It's been 50 days since I heard of my son"Mother describes her ordeal in a Texas migrant detention center. #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/Yo5qopWVt3
We’re expecting marches to begin around 10am ET, but just as a reminder, these are not the first actions of the week.We’re expecting marches to begin around 10am ET, but just as a reminder, these are not the first actions of the week.
On Thursday, 600 women were arrested for protesting inside a US Senate office at the Department of Justice, the agency which designed and carried out the “zero-tolerance” policy that lead to family separations. Arrested along with them was actress Susan Sarandon.On Thursday, 600 women were arrested for protesting inside a US Senate office at the Department of Justice, the agency which designed and carried out the “zero-tolerance” policy that lead to family separations. Arrested along with them was actress Susan Sarandon.
Listen to for the songs in this video of the protest.Listen to for the songs in this video of the protest.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the “Families belong together” protestsGood morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the “Families belong together” protests
Organizers say they are expecting tens of thousands to march across all 50 US states on Saturday, to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has seen more than 2,300 children separated from their parents in recent weeks after they crossed the Mexico border without documentation.Organizers say they are expecting tens of thousands to march across all 50 US states on Saturday, to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which has seen more than 2,300 children separated from their parents in recent weeks after they crossed the Mexico border without documentation.
“This is an all hands on deck, stop the madness moment. It’s not a red or blue thing,” national protest organizer Ai-jen Poo told the Guardian.“This is an all hands on deck, stop the madness moment. It’s not a red or blue thing,” national protest organizer Ai-jen Poo told the Guardian.
More than 750 events are planned across the US today. They were primarily organised for people horrified at the news of family separations and detentions, but have also become a forum for a show of opposition against Trump’s travel ban, which targets five Muslim-majority countries and was upheld this week, and the threat of Trump nominating a hard-right conservative for the US supreme court seat that will be vacated by Justice Anthony Kennedy.More than 750 events are planned across the US today. They were primarily organised for people horrified at the news of family separations and detentions, but have also become a forum for a show of opposition against Trump’s travel ban, which targets five Muslim-majority countries and was upheld this week, and the threat of Trump nominating a hard-right conservative for the US supreme court seat that will be vacated by Justice Anthony Kennedy.