North Texas protests call for end to ICE raids
DALLAS - Crowds of protesters gathered in North Texas on Sunday afternoon to protest recent deportations in the United States.
Protesters who spoke to FOX 4 outside Dallas City Hall said they expected a larger turnout, but those who did show up said they came to raise their voices in support of their parents, friends and the immigrant community.
Downtown Dallas Protest
Sunday's protest was organized by the nonprofit Next Generation Action Network.
For the second straight week, the group held a protest against the recent surge in ICE raids targeting immigrants in North Texas and around the US.
Dozens showed up for the protest outside of Dallas City Hall on Sunday afternoon.
What they're saying:
18-year-old Gabrielya Barrera said she plans to use her voice to speak up for those who can't.
"My sign says that my parents fought for me, now it’s my turn to fight for them. To me, that just means that they came here to give me and my sister a better life and now I’m here to fight their rights," Barrera said.
Acuarela Jimenez, 16, was brought to tears about the uncertainty of her loved ones' future.
"I’m scared for my parents. A lot of people get their parents deported, their brothers and it’s just not fair, it’s really not fair," Jimenez said.
The teen says she feels the same fears at school.
"I’m scared for my friends, I know some of them are not from here and it’s not fair, it’s really not fair," said Jimenez.
She says she is looking to show support for all immigrants.
"We’re in this together, and we’ll always be together. Whether we be Mexicans, Guatemalans, any country, any immigrants, it doesn’t matter who you are we’re in this together," Jimenez said.
Arlington City Hall Protest
Another protest was held in Arlington on Sunday.
Protesters rallied on the steps of City Hall.
What they're saying:
Marie Esquiel's father was deported when she was a baby. She says she knows the emotional turmoil it creates.
She came to show her support.
"Everyone’s in fear you know, no one wants to go out to where they used to go. No one really wants to step into school anymore," said Esquiel. "At this point, it’s not just about keeping families together, it’s about getting our rights back."
Gov. Abbott on deportations
The other side:
The latest numbers from ICE's X account shared that 864 arrests were made on Friday.
It is unclear how many, or if any, were made in North Texas.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott spoke about deportations during his annual State of the State address on Sunday.
READ MORE: Gov. Greg Abbott outlines emergency items in annual State of the State address
Abbott says he supports President Trump's mission and will continue to work alongside the administration in their efforts to arrest and deport people.
What they're saying:
"To support that mission, I have ordered Texas State agencies to assist the Trump administration to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants. Now, we must also require cities and counties across the state to fully cooperate with those efforts," said Gov. Abbott.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Dallas Police and the Next Generation Action Network.