Activist Groups Rally Against Latest Travel Ban, Immigration Laws

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Immigrant activists take to the streets of Baltimore to protest what they call, unfair immigration policies.

The protestors tell WJZ, immigrant families are being split up and need more protection.

People of all ethnicities and faiths surround Baltimore's Washington Monument, protesting President Trump's revised travel ban meant to keep terrorists out of the U.S.

The new policy bars new visas for people from six predominantly Muslim countries and temporarily shuts down the U.S. Refugee program.

"Inciting fear, emboldening intolerance and targeting marginalized communities does not help keep our country safe," says CAIR Maryland Outreach Manager Zainab Chaudry.

"This peaceful demonstration is intended to provide a space for Maryland's impacted communities and our allies to gather in solidarity and demand security and justice."

The original ban sparked protests at airports across the country, including BWI.

"Why even have one. Why we can't just work together and unite? Why would he have to ban our brothers and sisters," says Jesus Perez, a protester, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient.

CASA de Maryland helped organize the rally. The Latino and immigrant organization says the president's plan to build a wall along the U.S. and Mexican border, and a recent spike in deportations unfairly targets immigrants.

"This issue is personal. It's affecting families right here in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland," says Elizabeth Alex, Regional Director of CASA Baltimore

Maryland joined four other states in a lawsuit, seeking to block the travel ban.

"This is part of a greater culture of fear that occurs and is occurring right now in this country," says Rabbi Daniel Burg with Beth Am Synagogue and Jews United For Justice.

CASA is calling for a law, limiting the state's role in deportations.

Advocates also want to keep immigration agents away from courts, public hospitals, and schools.

"This has to stop our families can't continue to be divided in this way," says Alex.

CASA tells WJZ, they're getting lots of calls from families worried about deportation.

The revised travel ban takes effect March 16.

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