Dallas [US]: Thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Dallas today, protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and demanding the release of detained students across the country, CNN reported. The large-scale march, which stretched across several city blocks, saw protesters waving American flags as a symbol of unity and patriotism.
A Call for Justice
The march, which started at a cathedral and concluded at City Hall, was filled with chants and banners advocating for immigration rights. Protesters recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and a mariachi band led the crowd in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” reinforcing their commitment to the nation.
Daniel Beltran, a 60-year-old protester, emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations to highlight their cause.
“We need to catch the attention of the authorities in a good way because we’re good people,” Beltran said. “Most of us, we come here because we want a better life.”
Many protesters carried signs demanding justice for Mahmoud Khalil, Khan Suri, and Rumeysa Ozturk, foreign students at top U.S. universities arrested under claims of alleged ties to terrorist organizations—accusations that many believe are politically motivated.
Latinos’ Contributions Highlighted
Hector Flores, former national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), addressed the crowd, praising the indispensable role of Latinos in shaping the United States.
“Latinos are the backbone of this great state,” Flores declared. “We build the buildings. We paint the murals. We cook the meals from every culture and every corner of this country. We are the architects, the artisans, the chefs, the caregivers, the teachers, the scientists.”
Trump’s Aggressive Immigration Agenda
Meanwhile, as Trump campaigns for re-election, he has outlined a hardline approach to immigration, vowing to introduce sweeping changes if re-elected. Among his most controversial proposals is the elimination of birthright citizenship, a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment that grants automatic citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
While legal experts have dismissed his plan as unconstitutional, Trump insisted, “We’re going to have to get it changed.” He suggested potential executive actions or even constitutional amendments to enforce his policy.
He further falsely claimed, “We’re the only country that has it,” despite 34 other nations also recognizing unrestricted birthright citizenship, according to The New York Times.
As the debate over immigration intensifies, protests like the one in Dallas are expected to grow, with activists vowing to continue their fight for justice and equal rights for immigrants and detained students.