Migrant rights protests take to Southmost

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The City of Brownsville is now amongst multiple cities across the country joining the movement for migrant rights.

Protestors showed up in solidarity Monday afternoon at Southmost Road with Mexican flags and various signage. This is in response to the increased presence and deportation of migrants over the past few weeks.

As previously reported by ValleyCentral,  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is conducting increased operations in the Rio Grande Valley.

Dolores Vasquez told ValleyCentral she came to support her people who are hard workers and come to this country to grow.

"Se valora mucho el trabajo de todos, desde los trabajadores de la construcción hasta los agricultores, todos somos un equipo, y si nuestra gente esto se va para abajo," Vasquez said.

Her quote translates to, "Everyone's work is highly valued, from the construction workers to the farmers, we are all a team, and without our people, this will all go down."

Vasquez emphasized that the community is all united. She said migrants are not alone and that together they help all the hard-working people who came to this country to help their families live a better life.

Julia Manzanares, a protestor, said the intention behind this protest was to raise voices for those who are hiding and scared of being deported.

"Los Mexicanos venemos con un proposito, y es de mejorar, de progresar, de sacar adelante nuestra familias," Manzanares said.

Her quote translates to, "Us Mexicans, came here with a purpose and that is to better ourselves, move forward and give our family a better life."

She added, that many people came to the states, bought property, have families and have been deported.

Both Vasquez and Manzanares said they hope this protest can help spread the word for migrant rights.