‘Let them in’: Hundreds protest at JFK airport after Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)
A spontaneous protest has engulfed New York City’s JFK airport after a number of immigrants, including US green card holders, were detained there Saturday, on the back of travel restrictions introduced by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s executive order on Friday banned citizens from seven Muslim majority countries from entering the US for at least the next 90 days unless they possess a diplomatic visa, and barred refugees from Syria indefinitely.
READ MORE: Trump’s 'Muslim ban' sees passengers detained at airports, threatens Silicon Valley
At least 12 immigrants were reportedly detained at JFK airport on foot of the ban prompting activists to quickly organize a protest calling for the release of those refused entry into the country.
Iraqi translator and former interpreter for the US army during the 2003 invasion of Iraq Hameed Khalid Darwees, was one of those detained, but was released after his lawyers petitioned a federal court.
Iraqi refugee translator Hameed Darweesh just released because you demanded it! 11 more to go! #RefugeesWelcome no #RefugeeBanpic.twitter.com/WUucG3yB8U
— MaketheRoadNewYork (@MaketheRoadNY) January 28, 2017
The size of the crowd has been growing since early Saturday after news of the protest spread on social media.
Head to JFK and join the protest. Raise your voices, America. It might be you next. #NoMuslimBanJFKpic.twitter.com/LmnPPg3GMs
— Claire Connelly (@_ClaireConnelly) January 28, 2017
Hundreds of demonstrators are now standing at the airport’s international hub, Terminal 4, chanting “let them in,”“no ban,” “immigrants welcome here.”
“We came here from Iran for freedom and democracy,” a woman named Atousa told Neighborhood News NY. “We wanted to live here, in the States, and this is what happens. I can’t understand. I can’t understand.”
Protest at JFK has outgrown the fenced pen set up by transit authority pic.twitter.com/F0yEzKdHwc
— Michael Zelenko (@mvzelenks) January 28, 2017
Crowds at JFK honking to support protesters #RefugeesWelcome#MuslimBan#jfkterminal4pic.twitter.com/JK8u5X4bY9
— ACLU National (@ACLU) January 28, 2017
Message of #love at #jfk protest #RefugeesWelcomepic.twitter.com/Zgy0aIQcxe
— Sebastian Meyer (@sebphoto) January 28, 2017
Protest at JFK growing by the second. pic.twitter.com/NuO9prCAHc
— Teo Bugbee (@tmibugbee) January 28, 2017
Right now at #jfkpic.twitter.com/y0dW6QWS6p
— Sebastian Meyer (@sebphoto) January 28, 2017
Other travelers affected by the ban were reportedly blocked from boarding flights to the US or turned back on arrival as Trump’s order was promptly implemented.
JFK Airport took to Twitter to warn travelers that they should take extra time to get to the airport due to increased traffic as a result of the demonstration.
Ongoing protest outside of Terminal 4 at JFK Airport may lead to increased traffic. Please leave extra time to arrive for flights and contac
— John F. Kennedy (@JFKairport) January 28, 2017
The New York Taxi Alliance tweeted their support for the protest announcing a one hour work stoppage at the airport as a measure of solidarity.
NO PICKUPS @ JFK Airport 6 PM to 7 PM today. Drivers stand in solidarity with thousands protesting inhumane & unconstitutional #MuslimBan.
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) January 28, 2017
No cabs in this line at JFK terminal 4. #NoBanNoWall#RefugeesWelcomepic.twitter.com/ZX5BycRTie
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) January 28, 2017
Beautiful statement from the deeply principled and brave NYC taxi workers alliance @NYTWA#NoMuslimBan#NoBanNoWallpic.twitter.com/nSBXPtuCnE
— Anjali Kamat (@anjucomet) January 28, 2017
Meanwhile, a rally is taking place at Washington’s Dulles International Airport to welcome refugees coming into the country.
At least a thousand people here at intl arrivals at Dulles. Syrian refugee landing at 7PM. Come out! @ACLUpic.twitter.com/Mcmdi8qiq0
— Allix Hillebrand (@allixdances) January 28, 2017
