‘We have to stop this’: Memphians rally against immigration policy

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Thousands of people gathered across the country Saturday to protest President Donald Trump's zero-tolerance immigration policy.

"Say it loud, say it clear: Immigrants are welcomed here!" chanted the crowd.

The heat and humidity couldn't stop them, and they said neither will any politician.

Hundreds of people gathered at Gaismon Park in Memphis to protest.

"It's been horrendous," said protestor Desiree Watson. "It's been horrific. I've not been able to sleep at night, thinking about young children being alone and afraid."

They also shared a message to families who've been separated.

"There are Americans that care for you and we want you here and we will fight for your safety when you get here," said Sarah Warren.

Marches and rallies like this one were held across the country. Each one had the same message: families belong together.

Like others at the rally, the images of immigrant children separated from their parents touched a nerve for Anna Shelton.

"You know, it was just really eye-opening," Shelton said. "I was just really, really ashamed."

Shelton realized she could no longer remain on the sidelines, so she started organizing the rally.

"It's crazy to me that it took children being kept in cages for us to realize we have to stop this," Shelton said.

Though President Trump signed an executive order, ending the practice, the Department of Homeland Security said about 2,000 children remain separated from their parents.

A federal judge in California ordered immigration authorities on the border to reunite families within 30 days.

Regardless, demonstrators vow to continue demanding change all the way to November.

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