
New revelations about the abuses immigrant children are suffering as a result of the Trump Family Separation Policy brought more than two hundred Long Islanders to the corner of Route 110 and Jericho Turnpike on Saturday. News that “Zero Tolerance” is being used only to incarcerate parents of children, and not border crossers generally, was among the outrages protesters cited for being at the rally.
Those participating also said that the failure of the Trump administration to abide by a court order to bring parents and children back together this week also motivated them to attend.
The sweltering heat did not keep people away from the rally and the many expressions of support from passing motorists kept spirits high. Participants ranged from babies in their parents’ arms to Long Islanders well into their eighties. Everyone I spoke to said that they needed to show their disapproval of the president’s attacks on children. Many added that they needed to be around other people who were equally upset by the betrayal of basic human decency by the Trump administration.