Hundreds rally denouncing Trump, immigration ban

Standing in protest of President Donald Trump and the immigration and travel ban, hundreds gathering at the Dutchess County Court House in the City of Poughkeepsie Saturday to make their voices heard.

Rebuking Trump for “xenophobia, homophobia and Islamophobia,” organizer Abiba Salahou called for demonstrators to stand up for their beliefs.

“This isn’t Trump’s country, this is our country,” Salahou said.

Though the event primarily focused on the travel ban and immigration, chants of “Black Lives Matter” and “no ban, no wall” also echoed from the crowd. Signs in the crowd addressed concerns over reproductive rights and White House senior strategist Steve Bannon.

PLEDGES: Local coffee shops pledge proceeds to ACLU

PROTEST: Hundreds rally in support of refugees, immigrants 

COLLEGES: Local colleges grapple with Trump's travel ban 

PETITION: Parishioners petition against travel ban 

As a believer in intersectional feminism, Christine Baker, 30, of Kingston, said it was vital to support all women and the issues they face.

“The refugee crisis is a women’s issue because it’s affecting so many women and children,” Baker said.

The rally was intended as a call to action directed at local legislators, according to the event’s Facebook page. Earlier this week, the Mid-Hudson Refugee Solidarity Alliance organized a march in support of immigrants and refugees which drew hundreds to the city.

Samuel Rose, 37, of Red Hook, brought his wife and two children to the rally, carrying signs in English and Spanish criticizing Trump and showing support for Muslim refugees. For Rose, the travel ban, the proposed southern border wall and Trump’s rhetoric have all been cause for concern.

“We don’t feel like the latest executive orders have been representative of American values,” Rose said. “They’ve been discriminatory and dangerous.”

More than anything, Rose said it was encouraging to see people continuing to protest and speak out.

“I’m glad this wasn’t just a one-off thing,” Rose said.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson @poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW