Demonstrators form human chain on Ringling Bridge

SARASOTA - Millions of immigrants and their supporters throughout the country protested immigration policies being considered in Washington.

Those protests were also felt here on the Suncoast.

The Ringling Bridge was transformed into a human chain on Monday. An estimated 1,000 people marched about a mile and a half from Island Park to the bridge. They carried flags and signs, and would chant, “Si, Se Puede”, meaning, “Yes we can”.

Organizers of Monday's march across the bridge say it wasn't a protest. It was a celebration of solidarity. She said it was to demonstrate a need for human rights and fair treatment for immigrants. She said the goal was to let lawmakers know that immigrants will not be ignored, nor will they support legislation that would make them felons.

“Everybody start to call them illegal and I don't think that's a fair word for them, because it is a human right, you have to be equal everywhere," says organizer Wendy Vasquez.

Domingo Varragan supports immigrants. "Immigrants, they are not criminals. We are here to help the force of work."

But not everyone in the crowd was there to show support. About five people held signs in protest of the protest.

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