Public Outcry Against President Trump’s Immigration Freeze Stretches Across Houston

In downtown Houston on Sunday more than a thousand people gathered just steps away from the Super Bowl festivities.

By Laura Isensee/HPM StaffJanuary 30, 2017 9:30 am, , , ,

From Houston Public Media

Public outcry against President Trump’s immigration freeze stretched across the country and Texas, including in Houston.

The City of Houston has played a large role in the country’s refugee resettlement program and is one of America’s most diverse cities. On Sunday, some local officials spoke out against closing the door to refugees and immigrants from certain Muslim countries. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner tweeted that Houston will always be a welcoming city. Houston’s Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee echoed that sentiment.

“We’re not going to yield to panic and fear that is being exhibited by the White House. We hope the White House will learn from America, we don’t want to learn from the White House,” she said.

Jackson Lee is on the Homeland Security Committee. The Houston Democrat says she wants to take away any funding that’s fueling the new immigration order.

Jackson Lee spoke Sunday at Bush Intercontinental Airport, where she told reporters federal authorities had detained at least six people over the weekend, including an Iraqi green card holder. The airport Starbucks filled with volunteer attorneys, who formed a legal rapid response team.

Rosemary Vega is with the immigration law clinic at the University of Houston Law Center.

“We’re getting calls. If we get families that need assistance, that people are being detained and not being released, we’re here to maybe file habeas and help them however we can,” Vegas said.

In downtown Houston on Sunday more than a thousand people gathered just steps away from the Super Bowl festivities.

“Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here. Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here,” they chanted.

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