Several thousand rally against immigration ban in Copley

BOSTON — Thousands gathered at Copley Square Sunday to rally against President Donald Trump's executive order banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

"The ban against immigration is making our country weaker. I think it's incredibly un-American," said Emily McQuaid, a protester.

Holding signs like "no one is free when others are oppressed" and "deport xenophobia", people of all ages filled the square. Some were chanting "say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here."

Council of American-Islamic Relations organized the rally and Mayor Marty Walsh spoke in front of the crowd.

"We'll protect you with a sacred document that this country was founded on, called the United States constitution," he said, as the crowd cheered.

Also in attendance were Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Ed Markey.

"It is un-American... it is unconstitutional... it is un-Christian to put a wall up that bans those people most in need around the world," said Markey.

Trumps' executive order has banned any non-U.S. citizen from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days.

The order also singled out Syrians for the most aggressive ban, indefinitely blocking entry for anyone from that country, including those fleeing civil war.

A Boston federal judge has moved to stop Trump's ban and a ruling will be in place for 7 days, allowing legal immigrants to continue entering the U.S. and forbids federal officials from detaining or deporting anyone already in this country legally.

Among those in the crowd were immigrants who have become U.S. citizens.

The Copley T station was closed for a period of time Sunday due to the large crowd.

Cox Media Group