'A Day without Immigrants': Group protests against ICE raids in Sanford, Florida

Central Florida residents joined the "A Day Without Immigrants" movement, that is currently happening across the nation, by protesting in Sanford on Monday afternoon.

What is the "A Day Without Immigrants" movement?

Big picture view:

"A Day Without Immigrants" encourages immigrants to refrain from going to work, school or shopping to highlight the role they play in the economy and community. 

The movement comes as President Donald Trump has cracked down on illegal immigration in his first month back in the White House.

Protests have been held across the nation on Monday after the movement spread on social media over the past several days. 

RELATED: Florida law enforcement prepares for increase in immigration detentions amid federal crackdown

"A Day Without Immigrants" protest in Sanford

Local perspective:

A group of Central Florida residents gathered in Sanford to protest against the Trump administration's immigration policies. 

"We are here to work, we are here to live our lives, and we are good people", said one of the protesters. 

RELATED: Gov. DeSantis promises to veto TRUMP Act immigration bill

This protest comes as multiple ICE raids have been happening across the state and nation, including a confirmed raid in Sanford in the last week of January.

Posters held by protesters read statements like, "Don't bite the hands that feed you" and "Families belong together." 

'A Day Without Immigrants' protest in Sanford

ICE raid in Sanford 

What we know:

Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith has confirmed to FOX 35 that federal agents were on scene at an apartment complex off Live Oak Boulevard the morning of January 29.

RELATED: Federal agents raid Sanford apartment complex, detain multiple residents: Video

Residents at the complex told FOX 35’s Hannah Mackenzie that as many as 12 people may have been detained. The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed the number of people detained nor the reason for detainment.

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The Source: The information in this article comes from previous reporting and reporting done by FOX 35's Hannah Mackenzie.

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