Protesters Gather at JFK Airport After Reports of Refugees Being Detained Due To Trump’s Muslim Ban
Since the protests began at 11 a.m., one Iraqi refugee has been released.
Following news reports that refugees are now being detained , a growing group of protesters have gathered at JFK's Terminal 4 Saturday afternoon to protest the detainment and, in extension, President Trump's "Muslim ban" that was signed Friday.
According to local TV station Pix 11, protesters began showing up at 11 a.m. to Terminal 4, the terminal where a majority of international flights depart and arrive. Organizations like the American Federation of Teachers, and the New York Alliance of Taxi Workers have expressed messages of solidarity and support over Twitter.
Since Trump signed the ban, lawyers representing two Iraqi refugees have filed a motion to have them released, according to the Washington Post. Another 11 refugees are still being detained. On Saturday afternoon, one Iraqi refugee, Hameed Khalid Darweesh, was released from detention without reason from federal airport officials.
A vigil is currently scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m at Terminal 4. View video footage and photos of the protests on Twitter below.
Update 6:54 p.m. EST: Protests against the Muslim Ban have now been scheduled at other major airports and cities in the country including Washington D.C. Dulles Airport, San Francisco, UN Plaza, Philadelphia's PHL Airport International Terminal A West; Check out this Twitter thread to find your nearest action.
Thumbnail Credit: JFREC