South Florida children caravan to Washington to protest Trump's immigration policy

Students, mostly children of undocumented immigrants, hope to deliver message

MIAMI – Some South Florida children, most of whom are sons and daughters of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, are headed to Washington to protest the immigration policy of President Donald Trump.

Leah, who declined to give her last name to protect her parents for fear of deportation, and her siblings were among a group of students who piled inside a bus bound for the nation's capital.

The students hope their numbers, their stories and their ages will attract the attention of Trump, who they blame for increased chances their parents will be deported.

"We must love and protect one another," they chanted Monday outside Miami-Dade County Hall.

Before leaving, the group tried to deliver a makeshift, failing report card to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and commissioners because of their agreement to comply with federal agents who might ask for a hold on jail inmates who are in the country illegally.

"I expect President Trump can change his heart and start protecting us," Leah told Local 10 News.

When the students arrive in Washington, they plan to unite with other children on the caravan and make a ring around a park in front of the White House.


About the Authors:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.