New Yorkers protest Trump's travel ban

New Yorkers gathered on a warm and bright Sunday at the "I Am a Muslim Too" rally in solidarity with communities who have been targeted by Donald Trump's travel ban back in January.

Led by Def Jam founder Russell Simmons and other community leaders, including Imam Shamsi Ali, Rabbi Marc Schneier, and Woman's March organiser Linda Sarsour, the event took place at Times Square, 48th street and Broadway at noon.

Although the rally was primarily organised to stand in solidarity with Muslims, persons of all minority groups attended the event as Simmons had stated "Everyone except white privileged males are in immediate danger. African Americans, women, Latinos, Asians, and LGBTQ are all at risk."

Over a thousand people filled the streets while holding "We the people" posters as they intently listened to prayer recited in Arabic ringing throughout the vicinity. A few Muslim New Yorkers were seen performing Zohr prayers as non-Muslim allies stood by to give them space.

Members of the Desi community, a term used by Bangladeshi and Indians to identify themselves, came out to join the rally to support and protect their communities.

A Bangladeshi American highschooler, Mariam, came out to "get the message to Trump and the White haters, that united, America will stand together. We are not divided. It doesn't matter what background you come from, what religion you are, this is our home and we're not going to leave it".

Thirty-year-old Indian Muslim software architect, Faheemuddin Mohammed, said, "We have to stand for each other. India is not banned but my friends and brother live in the countries that were on the list and I should stand with them when they are in difficulty."

There have been protests every week in the city in response to the immigration ban and raids on undocumented immigrants by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.