BERN TWP., Pa. - In their own cars, in their own native languages and in their own rituals, they spread one message.
"All of them should be let free," said protester Ninaj Raoul.
Protesters from near and far flocked to Bern Township to demand that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency free the families in the Berks County Residential Center.
"We're here to let families know that there are people that do not agree with what ICE and DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and also our governor and our commissioners fail to do," said protester Yeny Romero.
Protesters could be seen greeting the migrant families from the other side of the fence.
Friday's protest came on the heels of a federal judge delaying the deadline to free detained migrant children. The Trump administration said it doesn't believe parents should be released, citing fears of them spreading the coronavirus.
"This is a question of fundamental morality," said protester David Inoue.
ICE officials released a statement to 69 News, saying in part: "U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion peacefully and without interference. The Berks Family Residential Center continues to provide a safe and humane environment for families as they move through the immigration process."
The center houses undocumented immigrant families seeking asylum. It's one of three facilities of its kind in the United States.
