Yuma locals continue to protest mass deportations

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Locals throughout Yuma County are gathering Wednesday night to protest mass deportations.

It's something we've seen across the country since early February.

Locals gathered on 4th Avenue and 24th Street where the protest started and went to travel down to 16th Street.

People are showing their disapproval of the Trump Administration's deportation of thousands of undocumented migrants.

"I am the daughter of immigrants, it's as simple as that. I've seen it first hand what's going on in our communities...what happens daily. The hard work that not just the Mexican community, but all of our immigrants go through to get up every single day and go to work," said local protestor Elle Noriega.

Some members of the group say it's important to be the voice for those who are silenced and don't have one.

"I'm protesting the negative dialogue that's been happening with our people. I'm protesting the inhumane treatment of our people, whether it be through racism or inhumane detention centers, and just kind of bringing awareness to all of that," said another local protestor Ida Thomas.

The peaceful protest also embraced other groups who they feel are being mistreated such as members of the LGBTQ+ .

"Getting pushed apart and getting told that I am not allowed into an establishment because of who I am, so it's a lot bigger than just our immigrants. It's about the marginalized groups in our communities like the LGBTQ+IA," said Noriega.

It started at 5 p.m. and went until 8 p.m.

This was not the first protest for this small collection, and according to the group, it won't be the last.