LOS ANGELES, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people rallied and marched in downtown Los Angeles in the U.S. state of California Saturday, as part of the nationwide protests against the Trump administration's tough immigration policy.
Protesters of the "Families Belong Together" rally gathered in front of the City Hall of Los Angeles and marched to the Federal Detention Center, highlighting the voices of immigrants and refugees.
Holding banners and signs "Accept immigrants reject ignorance," "End family detention," and "United we stand," protesters called for the U.S. government to reunify the children with their parents as well as to end the "zero-tolerance" policy and family detention.
"We are Jews, this happens to our people several generations ago, so it's our obligation to be here and support other families that are going through this horrible moment. Be awake and aware so that we can hopefully fight for change and treat everyone with the dignity and respect that they deserve," one of the protesters, Kim, told Xinhua.
The "zero tolerance" policy of the Trump administration has resulted in the separation of at least 2,300 children from their immigrant parents caught illegally crossing the border, which sparked outcry nationwide.
"I feel like if we keep marching and keep trying that our voices are going to be heard and we're going to make a difference," marcher Ivy told Xinhua.
According to MoveOn.org, one of the organizers for the nationwide protest, the main march took place at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, and hundreds of rallies were also underway in cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
The number of the protesters has reached tens of thousands across the United States. Many Children took part in the rally and marched with their parents.
"It feels great, it shows the strength and the core of what this country is all about," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told Xinhua.