Immigration protest held in downtown Charleston calling for end to mass deportations

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) –Across the country, protests have begun against President Trump’s ramped-up immigration policy, including in Charleston.

Protestors said they hope the demonstration encourages Charleston to stand with the immigrant community.

At Monday’s protests, demonstrators called for several action items. They want the charges dropped against the seven protestors arrested in Marion Square last week, to keep ICE out of their community, and to stop mass deportation.

“I’m here to speak up for my people. I’m here to speak up for the families that can’t, especially my parents, they can’t speak up for themselves, and my mom has given me everything. I was born and raised with a single mother my whole life. I’m here supporting, her supporting everybody,” Bryan Rocha, one of the protest organizers.

They also are saying no to Charleston law enforcement participating in 287 G, a program where local enforcement agencies can opt in to perform special immigration officer programs.

“I want to say that Jesus was a refuge too and I’m sure that Charleston is a welcoming city and I’m confident that Charleston will align with the immigrant community and join the cause for no 287 G with the police department,” said Dulce Lopez, a protest organizer.

Organizers spoke to misconceptions about documentation, saying their people are hard-working and want to do things the right way.

“The immigration system is broken. There hasn’t been reform since the Reagan administration. In order to get legalization, it is a very hard process, almost impossible. There is no line as many people led to believe. You have to have a sponsor, who is willing to do the petition for you which is a very difficult process. Most people cannot be a sponsor, and it is a process that can take up to 20 years,” said Lopez.

This protest comes days after ICE conducted an operation nearby in Goose Creek and also after a video on Sullivan’s Island was released of a man harassing Hispanic workers prompting an investigation and arrest.

“That negative rhetoric, I want to believe that its a few people who are not supportive of immigrants and that Charleston is welcoming to immigrants and that this is our home and will continue to be our home with the support of Charlestonians,” said Lopez.

About a dozen law enforcement officers were at the perimeter of the permitted immigration protest that took place across from Charleston police headquarters, but the demonstration remained peaceful.