Kansas City rallies behind immigrants, LGBTQ+ community

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - More than 100 people came out to the Unidos rally to show their for immigrants and of the LGBTQIA+ community in Kansas City.

Unidos translated into English means ed or united.

“These are both of my communities, so it’s just really inspiring,” Isabella Mendez said. “I can feel a sense of hope.”

Some of the LGBTQ community have expressed concerns over President Trump’s executive orders that aim to dismantle diversity and equity programs.

Similarly, the Trump istration has tightened the leash on immigration including expanding power for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

“They’re not law enforcement, they’re not like police officers. They don’t have the same rights and privileges, and so a lot of times without an istrative or judicial warrant – there are limitations to the power of ICE,” Manny Abarca said.

He was one of the public officials in attendance. Abarca is a Jackson County Legislator and strong advocate for Kansas City’s westside, which has a strong Latino presence.

“We were very intentional about bringing this rally here under this bridge in the West Side community,” Abarca said. “Making sure folks can drive by and see what’s going on, show that we’re here and standing in of this community.”

Lorraine Goodrich and her dog Dexter were walking to the rally when she stopped for an interview. The two have been to a few protests together, but this one was special to her because of her friends and family.

“I work in a kitchen with Latinos, my daughter’s biracial, so I feel very strongly that, you know, we’re all we’re all equal, and hate has no place in America,” Goodrich said. “The current istration is just trying to get us to fight with one another, and it’s not going to work.”

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