Thousands Rally in Dallas Against Trump’s Immigration Policies, Demand Release of Detained Students

Marchers flood downtown Dallas in a powerful display of unity, patriotism, and protest—calling for the release of detained international students and pushing back against proposed changes to birthright citizenship.

Dallas, March 31 [US] – Downtown Dallas witnessed a powerful moment of civic solidarity today, as thousands took to the streets to protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and to demand the release of detained international students, according to CNN.

A sea of demonstrators—many waving American flags—marched several blocks from a local cathedral to City Hall in a peaceful but passionate show of defiance. Their message was loud and clear: justice, unity, and the protection of human rights.

“We need to catch the attention of the authorities in a good way because we’re good people,” said Daniel Beltran, a 60-year-old participant. “Most of us, we come here because we want a better life.”

Many marchers held up placards referencing the recent arrests of Mahmoud Khalil, Khan Suri, and Rumeysa Ozturk—foreign students at prestigious U.S. universities. The Trump administration has controversially linked them to alleged connections with terrorist groups, a move that has sparked outrage from academic and human rights circles.

After arriving at City Hall, the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” led by a mariachi performer, symbolizing both patriotism and cultural pride.

Hector Flores, former national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens, addressed the gathering with a stirring speech:
“Latinos are the backbone of this great state. We build the buildings. We paint the murals. We cook the meals from every culture. We are the architects, the artisans, the caregivers, the scientists.”

As the protest unfolded, President Trump, amid his re-election campaign, reiterated aggressive policy goals—including the proposed elimination of birthright citizenship, protected under the 14th Amendment. Trump claimed, “We’re going to have to get it changed,” despite widespread legal consensus deeming such a move unconstitutional.

Notably, Trump also falsely stated that the U.S. is the only country offering birthright citizenship—a claim debunked by the fact that over 30 other nations, including Canada and Mexico, offer the same.

As Dallas echoed with chants of unity and rights, the rally stood as a defining moment in the ongoing national debate over immigration, justice, and the values that shape the United States.