Hundreds gather in Bend to protest immigration policies

Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Bend on Saturday evening to protest President Trump’s “zero tolerance” immigration policies and the separation of thousands of children from their parents in recent weeks, one of hundreds of similar marches and rallies held across the country.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel was one of the speakers at the “Families Belong Together” rally, in which protesters filled the four corners at Wall Street and Greenwood Avenue, holding up signs with sayings such as “If You’re Not Outraged, You’re Not Paying Attention.”

Organizers of the protest said more than 300 people had registered to take part by Friday afternoon, while more than 100 had said they would attend a similar event in Redmond and about 20 for one held in Madras.

Sponsors included the Latino Community Association, Indivisible Bend, Main Street Alliance, The Vocal Seniority, Immigrant Solidarity Network, Central Oregon Labor Chapter, and other community members.