SAN ANTONIO – A “Know Your Rights” rally took place in Milam Park on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump’s handling of border security and his rhetoric on immigration and deportations.
The rally was organized by Cynthia Gonzales, who is not affiliated with the organization. She told KSAT she wanted to organize the rally to give people a voice.
“Everybody comes here because you are interested in justice,” Henry with the League of United Latin American Citizens said. “Justice for all, not just for a few, not the two percent who keep all the money.”
People who helped Gonzales organize the rally also made a nod to the student protestors who walked out of class this week in protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Brackenridge, McCollum and South San Antonio high school students also protested throughout this week. The students specifically mentioned their feelings about ICE being allowed to enter schools and churches.
“I come from a line of immigrants,” said Juan Rodriguez, a student protest organizer from South San. “My grandparents and my grandparents before them were also immigrants.”
“To see what is happening right now with our rights just fundamentally trampled on by this administration and all of the people who are silent and complicit with this administration,” one woman said.
In an effort to unite the community and provide resources, Gonzales' “Know Your Rights” rally featured speakers from diverse backgrounds.
Those speakers included a woman discussing the Americans with Disabilities Act, a government and politics professor, a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration and others.
People at the rally also distributed “Know Your Rights” cards. The cards included a breakdown of legal responses for encounters people could face with immigration officials.
Organizations from Saturday’s Milam Park rally as well as students are planning additional rallies and marches for the future.
Also read: