Milford protesters decry US policy separating undocumented immigrants, children

MILFORD — Protesters Thursday evening took to Draper Memorial Park to protest the Trump administration’s accelerated anti-undocumented immigration efforts that have separated children from their parents at the country’s southern border.

Holding signs that read “Stronger Together” and “Milford Cares About Immigrants,” mothers, teenagers and other concerned citizens said they stood out on Main Street in strong opposition to the policy and to speak for those who could not.

“It’s important to remember we’re a nation of immigrants and we all came from somewhere else,” said Bryan Cole, who quickly organized the demonstration upon hearing similar events were scheduled in cities across the country Thursday. “Even beyond just the crackdown on illegal immigration, separating children from their families is beyond the pale.”

The protest came as headlines and news photos in recent weeks rolled out more details of the effects of a “zero tolerance” policy announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in April in which authorities are to prosecute in all illegal border crossing situations.

The policy, unveiled amid an increase in the number of immigrants entering the country illegally, does not include protocol for separating children from their parents, according to a recent Associated Press report. However, authorities cannot detain children in prisons because it is their parents who are charged with crimes.

Children are usually released to other family members or put in foster care.

A McClatchy report this week indicated the Trump administration is also considering erecting tent cities to house children at Texas military bases.

Sessions, pointing to the Bible, defended the policy Thursday as the White House drew criticism from fellow Republicans.

“I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13 to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order,” Sessions said. “Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful.”

In Milford, critics of the policy said it goes against fundamental American values and spiritual beliefs.

Eric Rodriguez, lead pastor of The Way Church on Pine Street, called upon a different scripture verse, paraphrasing the commandment to treat others as one would want him or herself to be treated.

It is tragic that children are in the middle of the political battleground surrounding immigration law since it's usually their parents' decision to seek asylum in the United States when crossing the border, he said.

“Our biggest thing is the kids getting caught in the crossfire,” Rodriguez said in an interview. “That’s the problem.”

The demonstration coincided with a national effort to hold "Families Belong Together" rallies and protests against the policy across the country Thursday.

As they held signs and waved at passing motorists, mothers - most of whom brought their children to the demonstration of more than a dozen people - said the thought of being separated from their own families drove them to speak up however they could.

“The idea of them being scared and alone in a camp by themselves ... it’s heartbreaking,” said Taylor Langevin, who attended with her 9-year-old daughter Brody and 3-year-old son Charlie.

Other activists said they sought to give voice to local immigrants that may feel they cannot speak up because of the national heated rhetoric and debate over undocumented immigration.

“We live in a community that’s really diverse and sometimes I feel like some members of our community aren’t able to voice their opinions … It’s not easy for them to speak out,” Brenda Wheelock said. “I’m guessing, but I can only imagine that’s how it would be.”

In conversation, demonstrators such as Christine Crean, of Milford, wondered how children separated from their parents could be traumatized by the experience and how, if at all, that issue would be addressed.

“They’re damaging these kids,” Crean said.

Rodriguez said discussions like those raised at the demonstration must happen across the state and country.

As the leader of a multicultural congregation, he said the diversity of his congregants has put the issues in perspective for him, although he has not seen specific cases of strong immigration law enforcement in his church.

“We don’t need to wait until that happens to voice our opinions,” Rodriguez said.