An estimated 5,000 people participated in what was called the “Families Belong Together” rally and march in downtown San Diego Saturday.
They were protesting Trump administration immigration policies which led to the separation of children from their parents while being detained as illegal immigrants or asylum seekers.
The rally was held at the Civic Plaza near City Hall with speakers expressing their concerns and calling for change. After the rally, people marched to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement is located.
There were was also a protest Saturday in Otay Mesa as about 1,000 people marched to the Otay Mesa Detention Center, where the people led by San Diego’s interfaith community gathered to chant, pray and sing. Among local church leaders who took part was Bishop Robert McElroy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.
Some of the people who were reported to have been trained in “civil disobedience” told officials they wanted to see inside the center to check on children there. Reports from the scene said some would not leave and were threatened with arrest but the group did later disperse.
(Photo Credit Sarah Bartlett, KOGO News)