Women are staging “playdate protests” against Trump’s immigration policy — here’s what you need to know
Although President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending the separation of children and parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, the administration’s zero-tolerance immigration policy has continued. As families seeking asylum in the U.S. continue to be detained, the outrage against Trump’s policy has reached a fever pitch, and people across the nation are fighting back. Even parents have joined the fight, with some moms staging “playdate protests” at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices.
Waging Nonviolence reported on these protests, writing that parents have held demonstrations with their children outside several ICE offices, including those in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Detroit. As Waging Nonviolence noted, this is the most widespread instance of people taking direct action during Trump’s presidency — and many participants are women.
Outside the New Jersey office, 50 mothers breastfed their babies in a “nurse-in.” In one “playdate protest,” children in cages or wrapped in thermal blankets like the ones given to detained immigrants crowded the middle of the Russell Senate building, according to CNN.
According to a “playdate protest” action guide shared by Waging Nonviolence, these demonstrations have been organized by Hand in Hand, a nonprofit that advocates for domestic workers. Anyone can arrange a protest, or you can register to attend a demonstration online.
Parents with small children — mostly moms — have invaded the offices of ICE in New York and Chicago to decry family separation and detention. Many more of these “playdate protests” are planned around the country for the coming days. https://t.co/11IXaX1pvq @HiHemployers
— Waging Nonviolence (@wagingnv) June 26, 2018
If you’re not a parent, or “playdate protests” aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to raise your voice against the detention of immigrants. On June 30th, Families Belong Together marches will be held across the country, so you can join one or organize your own. Additionally, several fundraisers have been set up to benefit those affected by Trump’s draconian immigration policies.
June 30th #FamiliesBelongTogether protests are ON. Trump's shift – thanks to public outrage – means kids and babies will still be in jail. This isn't a fix; it's making baby jails permanent. Reunite the families. End baby jails. Work for freedom. JOIN US: https://t.co/0KcLXHgAUb
— Anna Galland (@annagalland) June 20, 2018
We are appalled by the Trump administration’s inhumane immigration policies. We applaud all those taking action and will do what we can to fight until immigrant families are united and free.
