New Yorkers protest Trump’s ‘un-American’ immigration ban
Thousands of people rallied in Lady Liberty’s shadow in Manhattan on Sunday to denounce President Trump’s “un-American” ban targeting Middle Eastern immigrants.
The massive protest began at Battery Park in Lower Manhattan on Sunday afternoon within sight of the Statue of Liberty, America’s symbol of freedom and its embracing of immigrants.
At least five people were arrested for blocking traffic, police sources said.
The New York protest was among dozens that broke out across the nation in response to Trump’s executive order that shut America’s door to newcomers from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Libya. At least 10,000 demonstrators to the streets of Manhattan on Sunday, according to the Mayor de Blasio’s office.
“Trump’s executive order is unconstitutional, illegal, un-American and stupid!” US Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn) told protesters Sunday. “This is meant to be a ban on Muslims.”
The New York protesters chanted, “When refugees are under attack, stand up, fight back!” “Hey Trump, hey [Vice President Mike] Pence, we’re all immigrants here!” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go!”
The most popular signs were included “The president is un-American,” “Tiny hands, huuuuge mistake” and “No ban, no wall,” in reference to Trump’s multibillion-dollar plans to beef up walls across the US-Mexico border.
Another poignant sign held by a protester had a picture of the Statue of Liberty and the words: “I’m with her.”
The protesters began at Battery Park before trekking north to Foley Square, near US District Court and federal Department of Homeland Security offices.
Additional reporting by David K. Li