Several immigration advocates, faith leaders, and college professors will hold a rally on the steps of Colorado Springs City Hall Friday in opposition to the Trump Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s zero-tolerance policy of prosecuting all migrants who cross the border from Mexico into the United States.
A news release announcing the Keeping Families Together Colorado Springs Rally states, "the Trump Administration continues to take significant and dangerous steps that are eroding the foundations of the immigration system and the international law that holds access to asylum for those fleeing danger and families, including an Executive Order announced yesterday to mandate that immigrant families be held in family detention."
The protest is being organized in part by y the Colorado Springs Council for Justice. Dennis Apuan, the CSCJ chair, and event co-organizer said jailing entire families is not a better solution to separating children from their parents.
"Keeping vulnerable and traumatized children in jail, even if they are with their parents, is not the answer," Apuan said. "Studies have shown that any kind of detention is extremely harmful to the physical and mental well-being of children and other vulnerable populations."
The list of speakers who will participate in the rally includes:
Rev. Roger Butts, Unitarian Universalist Minister
Joy Garscadden, Citizens Project
Atty. Stephanie Izaguirre, Immigration Lawyer
Christine Mendias, Pikes Peak Community College
Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Invited)
Rev. Clare Twomey, Vista Grande Community Church
Dennis Apuan, Colorado Springs Council for Justice
The rally will begin at noon on the steps of Colorado Springs City Hall, 107 N. Nevada Avenue.
