Several hundred City of Newburgh residents, many of Hispanic and Latino descent, gathered outside the city courthouse Monday in a peaceful demonstration as part of the nationwide Day Without Immigrants campaign.

The movement, which aims to highlight the contributions of immigrants in the United States, saw local businesses, including Machu Picchu and Paulita’s Market on Broadway, close for the day in solidarity. They reopened the following day. Men, women and children participated in the demonstration, standing together in support of immigrants’ rights.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Newburgh has a population of 28,856, with 15,085 residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

The protest was a response to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Concerns over these policies have particularly affected communities with large undocumented populations, such as Newburgh.

The Newburgh City Council has voiced its support for the local immigrant community, reaffirming the city’s status as a “fair and welcoming city.” The council unanimously passed a resolution in 2017 to declare its support for immigrants, and the measure has remained in place since its adoption.

Demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse before 2 p.m. to rally.

“I’m very proud to see many of our local citizens attending this protest,” said Jose Patrocinio. “It’s a peaceful protest, so there are mixed emotions. We’re here to use our voices for those who can’t, and we’re here to show our support. Right now, most of our families, parents, and siblings are scared because of all the talk about mass deportations. That’s why we’re here.”

Among the demonstrators were Sharon Solis and her daughter, Juliet Perez Solis, who carried signs in support of immigrant rights.

“I feel proud of the people standing up for those who can’t,” Sharon said. “I come from immigrant parents, and I’m proud to bring my daughter here to show her what our community looks like and what we represent. We’re all united when it comes to helping each other.”

Juliet echoed her mother’s sentiments.

“I don’t think we should have to protest for this because families shouldn’t be separated,” she said. “But I’ll keep showing up to support families who can’t speak for themselves. We’re a community, and we should all be helping and speaking up for each other.”

Demonstrators waved flags from Mexico, Ecuador, and Honduras. Others held signs, some expressing hope, others condemning Trump’s immigration policies and ICE. Many of the messages were in both English and Spanish.

“Today, we feel a spirit of solidarity with our immigrant community,” said Orange County Legislator Genesis Ramos. “As a proud daughter of Honduran immigrants, my commitment to our immigrant community is unwavering. We’re here, we’re loud, and we’re proud.”

Councilwoman Giselle Martinez emphasized the broad impact of immigration issues.

“This isn’t just a Latino issue. This affects everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity,” she said. “We have a growing Haitian community, a growing Middle Eastern community in Newburgh, and seeing everyone come out in support of immigrants makes my heart full.”

Councilman Omari Shakur underscored the need for unity.

“If you come after one of us, you’re coming after all of us,” he said. “People ask why I’m here—it’s because these are our residents, and they’re in harm’s way. I’m here to make sure they see people standing together. Let families stay together. Let people seek the American dream.”

Later in the afternoon, protesters marched down Broadway to City Hall, waving flags, chanting, and marching in unity.