Demonstrations opposing the Trump administration’s immigration policies continued for a second consecutive weekend in North Texas, with hundreds gathering outside Arlington City Hall on Sunday afternoon.
Protesters carried signs and flags, while passing cars honked in support of the rally organized by local community leaders and the Tarrant County Democratic Party.
A Personal Fight for Many Protesters
For many attendees, the protest was more than just a political statement—it was deeply personal. Marisela Aramino, the event organizer and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, emphasized the emotional weight behind the gathering.
“As a daughter of Mexican immigrants, obviously, this is a very important personal subject to me,” Aramino said. “I wanted to give a safe space for the community to build and gather.”
One protester, Marie Esquivel, shared her personal story of being separated from her father, who was deported to Mexico when she was a baby.
“It’s very hard. Even now, I don’t really have a connection with my father,” Esquivel said. She explained that fear has gripped her community, where people are hesitant to go about their daily routines. “Nobody really wants to go out anywhere where they used to go. Nobody wants to go to school.”
Protests in Response to ICE Raids
The protest comes in response to the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which have led to a sharp increase in daily arrests of undocumented immigrants. According to ICE data, an average of more than 1,000 undocumented immigrants have been arrested each day since President Trump took office.
The Tarrant County Democratic Party played a significant role in organizing the event. Candice Sublett, the party’s executive director, stressed the importance of moving beyond online activism and mobilizing people on the ground.
“We have to get people out of their houses. It’s not enough to just complain on social media or in the media,” Sublett said. “We need to connect with our neighbors.”
A Human Rights Perspective
When asked about the opposing view that undocumented immigrants should enter the country legally, Aramino framed the issue as one of human rights.
“We have to help find a way to live with one another,” Aramino said. “This is a human rights issue. It’s not okay to just try to rip people apart from each other.”
Plans for Future Action
Organizers made it clear that the protest is just the beginning of their efforts. The Tarrant County Democratic Party plans to expand its community outreach and organize more events across North Texas in the coming weeks.
“That was one of the critical critiques we’ve had as a county party—that we are not in the community enough,” Sublett said. “We are going to make sure that we are out there.”
As fear and uncertainty grow among immigrant communities in Texas, events like the Arlington rally provide a space for healing, connection, and activism. With more protests planned across North Texas, organizers aim to sustain momentum and advocate for policies that protect immigrant families from separation and deportation.