Immigrant Turmoil Prompts Nationwide Protests: 'A Moral Obligation'

Thousands of people opposed to President Trump's ban on certain immigrants gathered in protest around the country Sunday, including at John F. Kennedy International Airport, where waves of people have been gathering to support people barred from entering the country.

• See: Judges Halt Deportation of Arriving Immigrants with Visas

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio joined thousands of people who filled Manhattan's Battery Park for a protest that began Sunday afternoon.

"No one can take out American values from us," the mayor said.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic senate leader, referenced the Statue of Liberty as he stood on the edge of New York Harbor and addressed the crowd.

"What we're talking about is that beautiful lady in the harbor, and why we're all here," he said.

Chaos and protests broke out at major international airports around the country Saturday as even green card holders, who are legal permanent residents of the United States, and travelers with valid visas, were detained by Customs and Border Protection agents. On Sunday, the Trump administration sent mixed signals about how the ban would be enforced.

Protests were held at international airports and parks from Miami to to Los Angeles and President Donald Trump's front yard.

"We'll never be divided, the people, united," protesters outside the White House chanted Sunday, along with "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here."

• See: Confusion and Mixed Messages from Trump Administration On Immigrant Ban

In Boston, Sen. Elizabeth Warren addressed a crowd of thousands demonstrating at Copley Square.

"People will not stop until this executive order is tossed into the dust bin," she said. "We will not let Donald Trump chip away at the very heart of our democracy."

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, who criticized the ban Saturday night, said the city stands with its Muslim population.

"I want everyone to know, if you feel threatened, you are a beloved member of our community," Walsh said, adding that 28 percent of Boston is made up of immigrants, and "we will protect you."

Thousands of people poured into Los Angeles International Airport to oppose Trump's executive order. Rallies were also held in Seattle, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago and points between.

Protesters returned to Dulles International Airport late Sunday afternoon. A major airport hub for D.C. officials, Dulles saw one of the more high-profile protests on Saturday, drawing hundreds of protesters, as well as politicians like Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey.

"If you assault the dignity of some, you assault the dignity of all," Booker told the crowd in New York on Sunday.

On Sunday, the ACLU had warned protesters to await a permit due to concerns about arrests if there were complaints at the busy airport. The organization announced mid-afternoon that the permits had been obtained and encouraged supporters to begin arriving at the Dulles airport to protest the executive order.

Feelings were especially raw in New York, where much of Saturday's chaos began with the enforcement of an executive order signed Friday by Trump, barring dozens of people from entering or re-entering the country.

"I think this country right now has a lot of division, fear and anxiety," said one protester at Battery Park, Dustin Hausner of New City. "We're blaming each other instead of trying to make the world a better place."

Erwin Chen, 44, of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, arrived at Battery Park with his family, his wife Aya, who was born in Japan, at his side.

"What happened yesterday and the day before, was a huge shock to all of us," he said. "We really wanted to do something to show this is unacceptable."

Aya Chen said it was important to bring their sons, Kenya, 4, and Kai, 7.

"They need to understand this," she said. "They need to understand that their mother was not born in this country. And most people in this country were not. This country was built on diversity and we have a moral obligation and the right to protest policy that we don't agree with."

This is a developing story. Refresh page for updates.

Main photo and reporting by Marc Torrence, Patch staff, at Battery Park.