separated. that those kids who were locked in those cages, did you know they live in washington, d.c.? they live here. we recognize them. land,ou recognize this recognize those people because they are indigenous. they're young and they need your help. i'm glad you came out and marched. get involved and recognized the land. get involved with your local organization. about those kids? those immigrants? stop these deportations. come unaccompanied because of economic and violent situations in their home countries. support them. support them. are organizations here in d.c., i will name one, many languages, many voices.

those are those kids in those cages, grown up. support them and do something. thank you. [applause] >> how did we get here? moment in get to this time where thousands of children have been separated from families? toward unspeakable hardship, hardy, and violence. their mothers and fathers risked everything to bring them here to the united states of america, to seek asylum, justice, and to build a better life. reached our borders,

these children were ripped from their parents arms. young boys and girls, toddlers, and babies. yes, babies, held in cages and attention. this cruel and inhumane policy was not enacted. this administration and the president have been planning this for more than a year. >> our department of homeland security personnel going to separate the children? >> i am considering it. i am considering that. out thattarted to get something terrible was happening, that they were arresting everyone, including asylum-seekers. attorney general jeff sessions got the green light and announced his new policy to separate families. >> i have put in place a zero-tolerance policy and that child may be separated from you as required by law. >> throughout may, thousands of families were divided. toldren were shipped

different states in the middle of the night, young boys held in detention camps. we still have not seen the girls and the babies. >> this is not child abuse. >> enforcing the law? the public outcry helped for this policy to and. the public -- the president lied and said he could not stop about we refused to back down. he thought he could for the american people. we know all he did was add to the horror and make indefinite detention of families the policy. this is why we march in cities and towns today. we want to night these families with their children and stop separating them in the first place. we want to end indefinite detention. we want to stop the zero-tolerance policy. this is our message. it is one of love, respect, and filled with decency.

[applause] >> families belong together. ♪ [speaking in spanish] >> good afternoon taber one. -- to everyone. i came to the united states with my son in august of 2017, seeking safety.

[speaking in spanish] >> i am one of the plaintiffs in the aclu lawsuit. [applause] spanish] in >> when we arrived, the authorities took him from me, far away. i was put in immigration detention in texas and i did not know where he was for two months. my public defender told me he was in chicago. [speakinh in spanish]

[speaking in spanish] we spent nine months and nine days apart. during that time, i was told he could be put up for adoption. i was told, i was terrified i might never see him again. [speaking in spanish] >> they transferred me to a

federal prison and a detention center. i spent days sick and without hope. [speaking in spanish] >> i found a lawyer and i joined the lawsuit by the aclu. i wanted to join this fight to get my son back and for mothers who are suffering the sa were away from their children. -- because they were away from their children. thank you. >> we see you, we love you.

[speaking in spanish] >> my lawyer helped me get released on bond and my son and i were reunited on june 5 of this year. [applause] [speaking in spanish]

>> i missed nine months of his life and that never should have happened. we are together again, thanks to that lawsuit and to you. we march to protest at this practice of separating children from their parents. my son and i are together and for that, i will be forever grateful to you. [applause] [speaking in spanish] >> families belong together. families belong together. families belong together.

[applause] [indiscernible] doing ishey're stopping you from doing that and that is unfair. -- no kidput in jail should be put in jail.

they could be separated from their families and it is wrong. many different types of people in america. getpe you and everyone else free and live a happy life like every kid should. [applause] i wish the president would think about everybody who is suffering inside and try to help. people may argue there are good reasons for this but there are not. there is not even one good reason. [applause] my mom will not stop protesting until everything is right. [applause] thank you. dear friend, i wish i could your dreams because that is

something no one can take away from you. the pain you feel is the strength you will need to carry on and keep going. it may feel hard but you can do it. you are not alone and if you ever feel alone, think of me and all of the other people in the world that want to help you and your family get together. i know if we met, we would be friends and we could talk about what you are going through and make you feel together. your friend, addison. this is a letter to all the children in the detention centers. think of america as a cruel place where people put you in jail. there are pe,people, who are going to help you find your families again. right separation is not and we will keep fighting until it in every one of you is back with your families.

that is a promise. [applause] my father came to america at age 17 with $400 in his pocket. wife, his own business, a my sister and i and is a proud american citizen. do not give up hope. anything is possible. with love. [applause] my name is lucy. i'm so sad you cannot be with your family. miss my family, too. i would miss their hugs and playing with my sister. i wish i could give you a hug. i know kids should be with families. my family will keep fighting to make sure that happens.

love, lucy. [applause] [indiscernible] >> they are beautiful, aren't they? as beautiful as those children in mccallum. my name is dr. amy cohen. three weeks ago, i traveled to the border town of mccallum in texas. as a child psychologist who is been much of my career cheating

-- treating trauma, i knew what we're doing when far beyond the distress were seeing on tv. i knew my government was deliberately torturing young children. [indiscernible] i knew that as a doctor, a parent, and american, and a human being, i had to act and i had to say, not in my name. [applause] >> i have only just come from texas, the heartbeat of that time with sister norm's respite center, an astonishing place. children and parents released from the hardship of detention would come to find respect and care before departing for distant destinations.

every day, the vision of children clinging to the dusty pant leg of a father, reaching up to be lifted by a mother, sense ofow a child's safety and security is tied to their knowledge that their parents will be present. takenildren who have been , whose parents and sense of safety have been stolen, these children try every day to summon their parents, as children do, with cries, with calls, with lifted arms. their cries go unanswered, they experience again the terror of being alone and helpless. as days pass, and cries are unanswered, they grow quiet and despond and. -- despondent.

the chemicals begin to break down the developing brain, the small body, sending off a cascade of damage, much of which may never be repaired. there is no more damaging thing that can be done to a child than to rob them of their parents. not war, not physical pain. that this has been done purposefully is diabolical. [applause] [indiscernible] >> not in my name. as one of the parents -- and what of the parents whose child have been kidnapped?

they are plunged into their own how must myief, child be suffering? how can i get to them? how can i protect them? as health care providers, we must demand this stop. [applause] ,> these separations must end these children must be reunited with their parents, and quickly. as health care providers who know the tortured to which these children have been subjected, we must insist our government provide the best treatment available. [applause] >> these children, who will be lucky enough to be reunited, will have a long journey ahead. as health care providers, we must demand we be let into inspect these facilities to

which these children have been taken and the care they have received. must demand we these separations, that this torture, can never be allowed again. [applause] >> never again. >> never again. >> beyond the separations, as we know, this government plans to incarcerate parents and children for months, maybe years, until asylum claims are adjudicated. this is a atrocity. again, i say, not in my name. not in my name. [applause] this.must not allow

and people flee horror reach our shores, as my grandparents did, as some of yours did, we cannot tolerate a government that treats them with cruelty, brutality, and in decency. it must end. not in our name. not in our name. not in our name. >> not in our name. >> thank you. [applause] >> hello. my name is jordan roberts.

like you, i chose to be here today. we have seen the state of our nation and decided we must take action. life is about making choices. we face a million choices every day. some are so easy, we do not have to think. turn right or left. coffee or tea? some choices are daunting, do i do my job or risk everything and when the tasks i have been given are immoral. in february, i faced that choice. it was my job at the montana department of labor to pass information that would be used to deport people. i could not do it and live with myself. i had seen the

video of the border patrol dumping lifesaving water in the desert, with knowledge they were condemning people to death. arrest people who had been reporting for years, throw them in detention centers where they were reviewed. i had seen loving families torn apart for no good reason. [indiscernible] i could not sit by and let it happen. i could not be part of that machine, even if i would only be one small year. -- gear. i could not just follow orders. [applause] >> it was my choice. right,o choose what was even though it meant placing my family at risk. i was no longer comfortable with

the demands of my job i would quit if a few more people would have joined me. i later asked my governor face to face to change the way the departments don't with change request. so people would be more prepared. he did neither. vote him out instead, i should have been more demanding when i met with the

governor. instead, i chose to prioritize my governor's i wanted to be civil. i failed to convey the urgency of this situation. those are mistakes i will have to live with what the rest of my life. i tried being nice and nothing changed. there are thousands of children in cages. i walked away thinking no one but my family would support me. i was wrong. an entire community rose up to help. they took care of my family and i was faced with another choice. i could have just found another job but i know i had to do more of my freedom. i chose to keep fighting because it is the only moral choice.

we have no moral right to be comfortable when the price of our comfortable -- comfort is injustice. [cheers and applause. ] texasthis gorging son in we were marching toward the gate when a bus filled with children don't -- drove past. jumped out of the seats waiting period one kid raised his tiny fist. if nothing else watching that day we let those children know that we are fighting for them. [applause] make. have choices to choices that will be fine us as individuals and as nation, especially those people working and immigration. i talked to federal agents, politicians and administrators. you need to decide right now what side of history you want to

be on. [cheers and applause] your actions have consequences. you may only be filling out paperwork but your work separates families. you may only be opening and closing a gate but your decision puts children in caps on where they will be detained indefinitely. you may only be arguing in a courtroom but your motions keep this terrible system of human suffering working. you can choose to stop this. [applause] you don't have to follow orders. borders.orture at our you don't have to follow orders. no more torture at our borders. [chanting]have to follow orders

[indiscernible] >> my name is rabbi black. i am standing together with my brothers and sisters. to say together that this society is in a state of moral emergency. will read some passages from our tradition. psalm 146 which says to the oppressed, this

-- this will pass because there is a power much greater. to the oppressor, this will pass because there is a much greater power than you. [cheers and applause] i will praise the eternal all my life as long as i exists i will sing, do not trust in the nobility. the wealthy, the powerful, he will not be any help. is -- his plans will come to nothing. hope is the one whose in the creator of heaven and earth, the ocean and all that is togethereveryone of us

who keep and stay forever, secures justice for those who are wrong the -- wrong to. the all-powerful sets prisoners free. and loves those who do the right thing. who protect the immigrants. and gives courage to the orphan and to the widow. afflicts those who prey on the weak.

the power that binds each and every one of us together with all of creation. understanding that we are all connected. that power shall rule for each and every generation, hallelujah. [cheers and applause] reading from the christian scripture the gospel of matthew. for i was hungry and you gave me food. i was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. i was a stranger and you welcomed me. [cheers]

i was naked and you gave me clothing. i was sick and you took care of me. i was in prison and you visited me. the righteous will answer him lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food and thirsty and gave you something to drink? saw you was it that we a stream to an welcome to, and naked and gave you clothing. and when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? truly i will answer tell you just as you believe in it to me.ou did man --amen.

>> in islam it takes us back to adam and calls them family. we are here together as family as families belong to gather. desk to gather. chapter four,ing entitled the wisdom. all mankind be regard full of and have a higher respect for your lord, just cherish your answer stain her to creating an created from it. and from them comes countless others be regard full of the almighty to hold you attention from mutual rights and have a high respect for the family

ties. surely all mighty god is over you all and is always observing and serve almighty god so kindness unto parents and two near kindred and orphans and the needy, and those who are neighbors who were of your kids and two neighbors who are not of your can and to those who are traveling. applause]d see almighty god not those who are arrogant and boastful. >> good morning. it is hot out here.

but it is not as hot is is is for those children that we are standing for. [cheers] my name is reverend tracy blackman executive minister of local church ministries for the united church of christ. i stand on the half of our mothers and fathers and grandparents, and ancestors who have carried us time and time -- of whiteh these nationalism. applause] then descendent of enslave black women who children's who were ripped from their nursing breasts and loving arms.

[cheers and applause] after i say as a mother on the half of the sacredness of families, their first holy unit. morning my friend reminds us that we have been here before. [cheers and applause] i know it feels brand-new but it is not. we have been here before. before,has been here black and brown people who have been historically oppressed and --rginalized in this country

[no audio] god thate nation under god has blessed. god of the whole world. who is this god -- [indiscernible] the prophet isaiah with prayers to the first testament, for to withholdp judgment from the oppressed.

this is who american -- america has always been. applause]d the truth is our story, america indigenous children from their families and their land in the name of god. america enslaved african children from their famil contre

name of god. to children from their families in the name of god. america that's a quarter of a million predominantly black and brown children and parents who are case in a prison industrial complex. in the name of god. over 30,000 children and takes them in juvenile detention centers we would never -- we would rather incarcerate than educate in the name of god. forget america sent

back jewish refugees, too. back to their deaths in the name of god. [indiscernible] we have been this way, and we must not forget we must always not abouthat this is diplomacy as it is about separatists --. must not beith silenced in the face of a god that we do not serve.

silence will not save us, my friends. when our leaders use scripture do notslate hate, they speak of behalf of god. misappropriation was not strong enough to uphold slavery and it is not strong enough to uphold this current --. [applause] the legislation of evil, the legislation of evil does not make it --. i need you to hear me. court is wrong on this one.

and this court has been wrong before. in 1857 the court was wrong when freedomed against the prescott. in 1883, the court was wrong when it upheld assassination laws in alabama. you don't get to tell me who i in 1896, the court was wrong when they ruled to uphold separate but equal legislation. in 1944, the court was wrong

when they decided the alleviation of white american outpace the liberties of japanese-american. is this current moment this court is wrong. here's the good news. wrongs all those other decisions have been overturned, this one will be as well. [cheers] history shows us we have then this way before, and because we have been this way, we know we are not here alone. ofstand in a long history

justice. we stand on the shoulders of our ancestors who resist it slavery. we stand on the shoulders of those who flop for civil rights. we stand on the shoulders of those who fought for women's rights. we stand on the shoulders of those who fight for workers rights. we stand on the shoulders of those who i support gay rights. we stand on the shoulders of those who fight for rights for the poor. we stand on the shoulders that for those who decry that black lives matter. shoulders of the dreamers. affirm that god and not

the empire has the last word in .uman history judge then the supreme court. and -- andhigher law then that made by man. that law is love, my friend. people of faith must lead with love. people of faith must legislate with love. people of faith must be governed by love. site -- mustth fight for love or if there is

not love, there is not god. [applause] faith, hope, love. these three are the greatest of these is love. history says, remember history says, love always wins. friends, weg, my are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and we are standing on the side of love. may it be so in the name of all

of god that we use, the god of the oppressed, the forgotten, of justice the god of love. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> we are 30000 and growing.

we are here because their times right now there are parents right now who cannot sing lullabies to the kids in --. i'm going to sing a lullaby that i wrote. we are not going to stop until they can sing them to the kids again. what to say,t know you have your mother way when you came into the world, you cry. you dedicated every day just as life was never quite my style when you smile.

knocked me out --it out. you, we will for you, we willfor pass it on to you and we will give the world to you and you , some day,s all away some day. you will blow us all away, some day, some day. when you smile i am undone. my son. that's my son. pride is not the word i am looking for. there is more inside me now.

morning,u outshine the you are my son. part,ou smile, i follow a i was so smart. my father was in love. swear that i will be around for you, i will do what ever it takes. i will make the world safe and sound for you, we will come of age with our young nation. we will fight for you, make it right for you. lay a strong enough down nation. , weill pass it on to you will give the world to you and , somell low us all away

day, some day. yeah, you will blow us all away, some day, some day. don't stop, don't give up. [cheers and applause] [indiscernible]

>> good afternoon. are you ready? my name is alicia keys. thank you. mother, my son is here with me today, his name is egypt.

i couldn't even imagine not being able to find him. being separated from him, or scared about how he is being treated. becauseall of our fight if it can happen to any child, it can happen to my child and your child and all our children. here to read the words of another mother whose son was held in immigration detention. the names have been changed but the words are hers. my name is margarita. i am the mother of carlos who is being held by the office of refugee resettlement in a detention centereg. the first summer realized was when i received a voicemail from

him in which he told me he was eating held in kansas. i have spent night searching and searching for my son without knowing where he was and tortured day by day. the case manager explained to me that he was going to send me some forms to apply to be my son for manynd asked me documents. i was also given a home check. the investigator assured me that in a week they would have result in they would give me my son. i got so excited i even bought christmas presents for my son. i have them. i still have them and they are still wrapped. they give me sorrow when icy them. in a few weeks you will have a child and a month and then another month but they never

fulfill their promise. with such delay i have asked myself what am i doing wrong, have i not sent everything they asked of me was smart i want them to allow me to see them one day. what mother would not want to if only son in her arms for one moment. please help this mother in your heart and never forget her families struggles. [cheers and applause] my name is america ferrera. here not only as a brand-new mother, the proud child of immigrants. american whoas an

sees it as her duty to be here, i am here as a human being. heart who can't feel pain, who understands compassion and who can imagine what it must feel like to struggle the way families are struggling right now. it is easy to imagine that i would hope that if it was my family being torn apart, if it was my brother being criminalized, if it was my sister being and then someone would stand up for me and my family. it is that simple. fight does not belong to one group of people, one color or race or gender. it belongs to all of a spear.

what makes humans remarkable is our capacity to imagine, we have an imagination, let's use it weird as i read these words from a grandfather who was fighting to be reignited with his granddaughter i want you to imagine that this is your child, that you are this grandfather. >> words the names are changed. >>i am the grandfather of finesse on who is detained at shiloh residential treatment center. i am living in a duplex apartment and oakland, california. i work every day as a food vendor. i want to be her sponsor because she is my granddaughter and i am her grandfather. i spent a lot of time with the

nasa and we both lived in el salvador. i came to the u.s. when she was financiallyp to support the nasa and her mother. i would be a good sponsor for her because i want to take care of her and i am able to do so. february 2018 at home investigator came to my house she asked me a lot of questions and had me fill out paperwork. i got the impression that the home impressed -- investigator think i made enough money to be able to support my granddaughter and myself. i know i don't make a lot of money but i make enough to care for her. everything i have i will give to her. i have not heard anything since then. when i reached out to a social worker at the treatment center she told me that the office of refugee resettlement lost my application.

i was afraid they were going to transfer her somewhere else. the last time we talked she told me she was starting to feel desperate. i told her not to lose hope and we are waiting to see what the government says about me. please remember these words. please do not lose hope. and weem in your hearts will not forget. america and i are here to say we know we all believe that our democracy is at stake. our humanity is at stake. we are out here to save the soul

of a nation. we need all the children reunited for their parents. we demand to and the zero humanity policy. we need to save the supreme court. follow --vote, . america and i want you to join us to say, we are not backing down. we are not backing down. we are not backing down. thank you for your strength. thank you for not backing down. >> you have been watching the

families forum rally here in washington. we will show you this rally tonight on c-span. watch american history tv this weekend on c-span3. highlights include today at 6 p.m. eastern on the civil war, the constitution and secession in a 8:00 p.m. on lectures history popular culture during 1840's. sunday on real america at 4 p.m., salute to the canadian army, then at 8 p.m. white house are. watch this weekend on c-span3. washington journal live every day with news and colorful issues that impact you. coming up sunday morning and are edgar and syndicated columnist

discuss political news of the day. and laura miller talks about the u.s. role in afghanistan and the military and political stability of that country. watch washington journal live at 7 a.m. eastern on sunday morning. join the discussion. tomorrow on newsmakers, congressman adam smith looks at 2019 defense spending. he serves as ranking member on the house army services committee and was interviewed. watch newsmakers sunday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on c-span. his latest book, spymaster will be published on july 3. his other books include use of

force, blacklist, state of the union plus 14 more thrillers. interact by phone, twitter or facebook. our special series in depth --thor.with brad sower on c-span2. mexico's presidential election is tomorrow, july 1. three presidential debates were held in various parts of the country. the second debate was from may 20 into you want in front of a live studio audience. this 40 minute portion includes onponses on the candidates mexico's relationship with the u.s., trade relations and immigration policy. here's that now.