DALLAS — Nearly 800 protesters gathered at Dallas City Hall Sunday, marching through downtown streets for four hours to voice opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies.

The demonstration drew a diverse crowd of North Texas residents, many of whom shared personal stories about how immigration policies have affected their families and communities.

“I’m here for my family members who are scared to come out and speak,” a woman named Celia told WFAA, whose 8-year-old son has been worried about his immigrant friend at school.

The impact on children emerged as a central theme throughout the protest. Mayra, a mother of school-age children, described having difficult conversations with her kids about potential scenarios at school. 

“I had to prepare my children and tell them what might happen,” Mayra said. “That’s a conversation I should not be having with my children.”

Fear of deportation loomed large over the demonstration. “Fear is always the main factor. A lot of these people have lived their whole lives with fear,” said Edward, one of the protesters.

Several participants emphasized their contributions to American society. 

“We’re human. I’m human. My parents are human. We’re not out here doing illegal things. We just want to better ourselves and our country,” a woman named Stephanie told WFAA, whose parents immigrated from Mexico.

The protest remained peaceful as demonstrators marched through downtown Dallas, with many carrying signs and chanting. 

“What would America do without our immigrants and hardworking people?” a young man named Julian asked.

According to the Dallas Police Department, at approximately 6:15 p.m. when protestors returned to City Hall, someone driving a grey Chevrolet Camaro drove through the crowd and struck a bicycle belonging to a Dallas Police officer who was directing traffic. The vehicle then turned onto Akard Street and fled the scene at high speed. The officer was not injured, and no other injuries were reported. Police say the investigation is ongoing.

DALLAS — Nearly 800 protesters gathered at Dallas City Hall Sunday, marching through downtown streets for four hours to voice opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies.

The demonstration drew a diverse crowd of North Texas residents, many of whom shared personal stories about how immigration policies have affected their families and communities.

“I’m here for my family members who are scared to come out and speak,” a woman named Celia told WFAA, whose 8-year-old son has been worried about his immigrant friend at school.

The impact on children emerged as a central theme throughout the protest. Mayra, a mother of school-age children, described having difficult conversations with her kids about potential scenarios at school. 

“I had to prepare my children and tell them what might happen,” Mayra said. “That’s a conversation I should not be having with my children.”

Fear of deportation loomed large over the demonstration. “Fear is always the main factor. A lot of these people have lived their whole lives with fear,” said Edward, one of the protesters.

Several participants emphasized their contributions to American society. 

“We’re human. I’m human. My parents are human. We’re not out here doing illegal things. We just want to better ourselves and our country,” a woman named Stephanie told WFAA, whose parents immigrated from Mexico.

The protest remained peaceful as demonstrators marched through downtown Dallas, with many carrying signs and chanting. 

“What would America do without our immigrants and hardworking people?” a young man named Julian asked.

According to the Dallas Police Department, at approximately 6:15 p.m. when protestors returned to City Hall, someone driving a grey Chevrolet Camaro drove through the crowd and struck a bicycle belonging to a Dallas Police officer who was directing traffic. The vehicle then turned onto Akard Street and fled the scene at high speed. The officer was not injured, and no other injuries were reported. Police say the investigation is ongoing.