Hundreds rally against separations at U.S. border

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Startling sounds and images out of Texas, showing children separated from their families, have people around the country upset including here in the Cape Fear.

“There’s no path to citizenship for these children who come here,” Suzanne Altobello said.

Shedding tears and chanting loudly, hundreds showed up at Representative David Rouzer’s Wilmington office at the New Hanover County Government Center and nearly a hundred showed up outside of City Hall in the evening.

They wanted the congressman and White House to know: there is no law requiring families be separated by the U.S border.

“I’ve gone from horrified to petrified and it is very hard not to cry because even today there are tears because of children,” Marcia Gelman said.

Immigration attorney Vanessa Gonzalez spoke at the rally and says even though President Trump signed an executive order to keep families together at the border, this all started because of his administration.

“It’s somewhat frustrating and annoying because it’s obviously political theatre. Much as taking away DACA and then claiming to support Dreamers by hoping for some sort of Dream Act, only if it includes certain conditions that he’s looking to push,” Gonzalez said.

But many say this executive order is only the beginning and they want to see more change.

“I want to see true immigration reform. I want to see the opportunity for people who come here like my great grandparents did and my grandparents did, to have a path to citizenship for those that deserve it,” Altobello said.

“Our whole lives are a constant uphill battle since the election day. Mine specifically and even more specifically those who are directly affected by these policies,” Gonzalez said.

Many people said they are now worried as to what will happen with the kids already separated from their parents.

Representative Rouzer said on Facebook, “I share the concern of many who are troubled that children are being separated from their families at our Southern Border.” Rouzer’s local office said they did not have any comments at the time of the rally.