AUSTIN, Texas — As immigration enforcement operations increase across the United States, protests have erupted in several states, including in Texas.
On Monday, a group of protesters gathered in North Austin in response to the Trump Administration’s executive orders impacting immigration.
Austin police were made aware of the protest around 6 p.m., stating that a large gathering was underway by the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and West Rundberg Lane.
Protestors were seen by the roadway holding the flags of countries including Mexico, Honduras and Colombia. Austin’s protest was the latest in a series of similar instances happening in parts of the U.S.
In Texas, multiple businesses temporarily closed in Houston on Monday as part of “A Day Without Immigrants.” Some participants said the day was observed to honor the importance of immigrants across communities.
Also on Monday, at least 200 protesters gathered in San Antonio as part of the same nationwide day of observance.
These demonstrations come as President Donald Trump signed an executive order making it legal for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to arrest people in churches, schools and other sensitive locations where this was previously prohibited.
In Austin, more than 30 arrests have been made since the first several days of the new policy, according to Assistant City Manager Eddie Garcia.
Meanwhile, in January, ICE confirmed enforcement actions were taken in the Austin area after a protest happened at the Capitol that same day.
Protests also happened this week in Pflugerville outside a possible ICE facility.