About 20,000 protesters march in Mexico City to send message to Trump administration
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Feb. 12, 2017: Demonstrators march demanding respect for Mexico and its migrants, in the face of perceived hostility from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Mexico City. (AP)
About 20,000 people took part in a march in Mexico City on Sunday demanding respect for their country and its migrants in the face of perceived hostility from President Donald Trump’s administration.
Many of the marchers were dressed in white as a sign of unity. One of the banners read: “Gracias, Trump, for unifying Mexico!”
The marchers protested Trump's plans for a border wall and increased deportations of migrants. Trump has also pressured U.S. corporations to provide jobs in the United States, not Mexico.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Los Angeles Times reported that one sign read: “Trump, pay for your own wall!”
Maria Garcia, a former Chicago resident, carried a papier-mache effigy of Trump and told the LA Times that the march wasn’t about Americans – it was “about Trump.”
“The United States and Mexico are natural friends and allies, but Trump is destroying this,” Garcia said. She later burned the Trump effigy.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Paulina Ortega carried a placard in English proclaiming: "We love Americans, we hate racism."
"This is a march for dignity," she said.
The march also featured many signs supporting Mexican migrants living in the United States.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We want demonstrate to all of those who suffer discrimination in the United States that we are with them," said Ana Fernanda Islas, a university student.
According to the Los Angeles Times, while much of the protest was direct against Trump and his administration, many others participated in chants against Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto
Smaller marches were held in other Mexican cities Sunday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.