Thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Dallas today, voicing their opposition to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and calling for the release of detained students across the country, CNN reported.
The massive crowd, stretching across several city blocks, carried American flags as a symbol of unity and patriotism. The march began at a cathedral and concluded at City Hall, where protesters gathered to share their messages of hope and resilience.
Daniel Beltran, a 60-year-old participant, emphasized the importance of peaceful advocacy to demonstrate that immigrants are hardworking individuals striving for a better life.
“We need to catch the attention of the authorities in a good way because we’re good people,” Beltran said. “Most of us, we come here because we want a better life.”
Many demonstrators carried signs referencing detained foreign national students, including Mahmoud Khalil, Khan Suri, and Rumeysa Ozturk—students at prestigious U.S. universities who were arrested under allegations of ties to terrorist organizations, according to CNN.
Upon reaching City Hall, the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a mariachi performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” reinforcing their commitment to American values.
Hector Flores, former national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, addressed the crowd, highlighting the critical role of Latinos in shaping America.
“Latinos are the backbone of this great state,” Flores stated. “We build the buildings. We paint the murals. We cook the meals from every culture and every corner of this country. We are the architects, the artisans, the chefs, the caregivers, the teachers, the scientists.”
Meanwhile, as Trump continues his campaign for a second term, he has proposed sweeping changes to immigration policy, including the elimination of birthright citizenship—a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment that grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
While legal scholars widely consider such a move unconstitutional, Trump remains determined. “We’re going to have to get it changed,” he said, suggesting executive action or constitutional amendments as possible pathways. He further claimed, “We’re the only country that has it,” despite reports from The New York Times confirming that 34 other nations also offer birthright citizenship.
As the immigration debate intensifies, today’s march in Dallas underscores the growing resistance against policies that many believe threaten the rights and contributions of immigrants in the United States.
