Hundreds To Rally For Immigrant Rights At State House

BEACON, HILL, MA — Hundreds of people are expected to take to Beacon Hill Wednesday, June 20 to rally in solidarity with protests that are taking place nationwide against the Trump Administration's policy of separating immigrant children from their parents when they cross the border into the US.

"Toddlers are being torn from their mothers' arms. Children are being put in cages and warehoused at an old Walmart. Asylum-seekers escaping domestic abuse and gang violence are being turned away. And right in our communities, families are being torn apart every day by overzealous immigration enforcement. It's morally abhorrent," write a coalition of organizers in a Facebook invitation.

The Massachusetts Senate recently passed a budget amendment with four basic protections, to stop police from helping round up immigrants and protect civil rights and due process.

But protesters want the House to do more. They also want to get the attention of Gov. Charlie Baker who they say has threatened to veto the Senate measure.

"We're NOT going to let them get away with this," reads a Facebook post.

More than 500 people have indicated they plan to join the protest which is scheduled to start on the State House steps at 12:30 p.m. before heading into the State House.

This comes ahead of June 30 protests that are being planned across the nation, as the culmination of actions at border facilities and detention centers in the days and weeks to come.

"Together, we will raise our voices in opposition. We will let the world know that we do not accept such horrific and callous policy, and we will remain active until the administration ends this cruel practice," reads a separate Facebook Invitation promoting the Saturday June 30 rally.

When: June 20, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: MA State House

A coalition that includes the ACLU, MIRA Mass Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Essex County Community Organization, Progressive Massachusetts, and Agencia ALPHA as well as the Pioneer Valley Workers Center are listed as the organizers.

Previously: Baker Reverses Course, Won't Send Help To 'Inhumane' Border

File Photo By Jenna Fisher/Patch