Dozens of protesters marched Thursday from Justin Herman Plaza to the San Francisco Immigration Court on Montgomery Street to speak out against the deportation of minors and families who have arrived in the United States without authorization.
The event, which was hosted by the San Francisco Bay Coalition for Immigrant Justice, featured speakers ranging from immigration lawyers to religious leaders.
Community activists spoke out against fast-tracked hearings otherwise known as "rocket dockets."
“It’s sad because they have valid points for asylum,” said immigration lawyer Laura Sanchez, referring to the children that come here fleeing violence in their home countries.
Jesus Ruiz of People Acting in Community Together spoke outside the immigration court and recounted his own detention two years ago. Ruiz said that under a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, he has been allowed to remain in the United States.
