Thousands protest against Trump's immigration policy in Los Angeles

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Thousands of people rallied and marched in downtown Los Angeles in the US state of California Saturday, as part of the nationwide protests against the tough immigration policy of President Donald Trump's administration.

Participants in the "Families Belong Together" rally gathered in front of the Los Angeles City Hall and marched to the Federal Detention Center, highlighting the voices of immigrants and refugees.

A demonstrator holding a sign participates in a protest against the Trump administration's immigration policy in Manhattan, New York, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

Holding banners and signs reading, "Accept immigrants reject ignorance," "End family detention," and "United we stand," protesters called for the US government to reunify the children with their parents as well as to end the "zero-tolerance" policy and family detention.

"We are Jews, this happened to our people several generations ago, so it's our obligation to be here and support other families that are going through this horrible moment. Be awake and aware so that we can hopefully fight for change and treat everyone with the dignity and respect that they deserve," one of the protesters, Kim, said.

People gather in Foley Square as they attend the nationwide "Keeping Immigrant Families Together" march on June 30, 2018, in New York City. /VCG Photo‍

The "zero tolerance" policy of the Trump administration has resulted in the separation of at least 2,300 children from their immigrant parents caught illegally crossing the border, which sparked outcry nationwide.

"I feel like if we keep marching and keep trying that our voices are going to be heard and we're going to make a difference," marcher Ivy told the reporter.

According to MoveOn.org, one of the organizers for the nationwide protest, the main march took place at Lafayette Square in Washington, DC, on Saturday, and hundreds of rallies were also underway in cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (C) addresses the crowd as people gather for a "Families Belong Together" march in Los Angeles, California, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

The number of the protesters has reached tens of thousands across the United States. Many children took part in the rally and marched with their parents.

In New York, the nation's biggest city, a rally organized by "Families Belong Together," began at Foley Square around 10:30 a.m. local time on Saturday. The protesters marched across the Brooklyn Bridge before rallying in Cadman Plaza.

"It feels great, it shows the strength and the core of what this country is all about," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

(Cover: People hold placards during a "Families Belong Together" march in Los Angeles, California, June 30, 2018. /VCG Photo)

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency