Crowd sends strong message supporting immigration

Posted on February 1, 2017
immigration rally
The BCPA (left) was at capacity Wednesday night with those against the president’s order, while another group (right) stood in support of it. (Adam Studzinski/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – A capacity crowd inside the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts rallied against President Trump’s immigration order Wednesday night, while a group of a few people spoke in support of the order outside.

The crowd of roughly 1,100 inside was organized by Not In Our Town. Bevin Choban called the order unconstitutional.

“I wanted to show support for our neighbors,” said Choban. “There are lots of us who don’t agree with it, and welcome them, and are not worried about national security threats or anything of that nature.”

Choban added it was heartening to see so many people support the cause.

Wade Reinthaler was one of the few who gathered outside the BCPA to support the president and his immigration order.

“What we see inside is a very negative message,” said Reinthaler. “We’re carrying a very positive message; pro-citizen, pro-U.S., pro-national security, pro-immigrant”

Reinthaler said Trump’s order is a temporary pause so the immigration process can be reviewed.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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