<\/p>\n
The White House\u2019s zero tolerance immigration policy was the catalyst for \u201cFamilies Belong Together\u201d protests across the country Saturday, including in Durango.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s happening right now is completely inhuman, it\u2019s unnecessary,\u201d said Olivia De Pablo, an organizer of Durango\u2019s event. \u201cIt\u2019s a gain for the political parties to see who\u2019s going to be more powerful. I completely condemn the actions that are happening because children are children. We were once children, and this is not OK.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guest speakers gave fiery speeches that claimed the policy was cruel, inhumane and racist and condemned politicians who supported it. Many people waved posters that criticized the policy and a few people wore masks that covered their face in support of illegal immigrants who would not want their picture taken. In addition to speakers, the event featured group activities, live demonstrations and tables for people to volunteer. Part of the activities included the crowd singing \u201cThis Land Is Your Land\u201d and an opportunity to use an open mic to address the crowd.<\/p>\n
The \u201cFamilies Belong Together\u201d rally in Durango was one of 600 organized events that took place across the country in defiance of the current immigration policy, which has prompted the separation and detentions of migrant families.<\/p>\n
Speakers addressing the crowd encouraged people to not only protest the policies but to vote in November.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to raise awareness and encourage people to continue to vote,\u201d De Pablo said. \u201cVoting is the most powerful privilege that the American people have.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Pablo legally entered the United States from Mexico in 1993. She was one of the original organizers of Compa\u00f1eros: Four Corners Immigrant Resource Center and has seen firsthand the struggles many illegal immigrants have experienced.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was somewhat more privileged than others,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I do understand the struggle that my brothers and sisters are having \u2013 risking their life without any judgment for hope of a better life.\u201d<\/p>\n
De Pablo said several members of the immigrant community told her they were fearful to attend the rally, regardless of whether they were legal citizens or not.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not that immigrants don\u2019t care, because this is our fight,\u201d she said. \u201cFor community members that are here undocumented, the terror is right there. People are living in the shadows. They always have, but now it\u2019s more prevalent because of the system that has policies like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
State House Rep. Barbara McLachlan spoke, encouraging the crowd to vote and to make calls to Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton to encourage them to oppose the policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more important than ever before,\u201d McLachlan told the crowd. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have to take sides, but we are. Vote for people on your side.\u201d<\/p>\n
McLachlan said she was pleased with the turnout and hoped to be a voice for minorities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a distinct lack of brown people at this rally,\u201d McLachlan said to The Durango Herald. \u201cThey\u2019re afraid to come out. How awful in your own community that you\u2019re afraid to come out to a rally that supports you. I\u2019m here as a privileged white person to say enough is enough. We can\u2019t just keep treating people with disregard.\u201d<\/p>\n
An undocumented man who has been living in Durango for over a decade attended the rally. He had second thoughts about coming, but thought it was important for the community to see him protesting the policy that could potentially harm his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s very important to come here to show people that we are good people, to keep my head up, to show my face,\u201d he said. \u201cTo tell them I\u2019m here just like anybody else to work hard and to demonstrate that I\u2019m doing good things.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man, who asked not to be named, is concerned the federal policies could separate him from his children, who he has tried to hide the news from. He said on a scale of 1 to 10 on how frightened he is, he is at an 8.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sad about the current situation with everything that is going on,\u201d he said. \u201cBecause of my children, I am afraid that they will get deported. I don\u2019t want them to be concerned. I want them to be focused on school and to get a higher education. I don\u2019t want them to think they will be subject to this.\u201d<\/p>\n