More Than 1k Gather For 'Day Without Immigrants' Rally Held In Houston

Hundreds gathered for a "Day Without Immigrants" protest in downtown Houston. (Photo: AIR 11)

HOUSTON - More than 1,000 people attended a rally near downtown Houston on Thursday in support of the "Day Without Immigrants" movement.

The upbeat rally was held in Guadalupe Plaza where people gathered with signs and flags.

Most of those present were immigrants from other countries who expressed concern that they will be forced to leave a country they call home.

"It hurts," said a student, Marisol Gamboa. "Why do they think we're criminals? We just want to work and I don't know why they are treating us like that."

Gamboa is a single mom, a Houston Community College student, and a graphic designer from Oaxaca, Mexico. She is in the United States on a permit.

Her family moved here 15 years ago. Her mother is undocumented as is her father, a roofer who is now hiding after a scare earlier this week.

"Immigration went to his job." Gamboa said. "It was about three days ago. Now, he's really scared. He doesn't want to go back to his job. But you know, he has to pay the rent. Bills don't wait."

Several businesses in Houston closed their doors on Thursday as well in support of the movement.

The "Day Without Immigrants" movement encourages immigrants not to work or go to school on Thursday to protest President Trump's immigration policy.

Through social media, "A Day Without Immigrants" has called for immigrants across the country to rally and protest.

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