High school student Leslie Bonilla, 17, stands during the national anthem as protestors rally in downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press
DALLAS (AP) - Thousands of people marched and rallied in downtown Dallas on Sunday to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers said is an aggressive deportation policy.
Organizers who called Sunday's event the "Dallas Mega March" said President Donald Trump's executive orders restricting travel from predominantly Muslim countries in the Middle East are discriminatory. They also want an end to hate crimes and hate speech they contend have proliferated since the November presidential election.
The march began at the Dallas Catholic cathedral and was ending nearly 1ˆ½ miles (2.41 kilometers) later with a rally at Dallas City Hall where speakers were to include Martin Luther King III.
The event also has drawn some entertainers and several predominantly Democratic local officials and state lawmakers.
Dallas teacher Esseiny Alanis, a Mexican immigrant, stood with two fourth-grade students during the rally.
"Every child deserves a right to go to school without fear of losing a parent," Alanis told the Dallas Morning News (http://bit.ly/2nRQLBS ), referring to the threat of deportation.
A small number of Trump supporters gathered nearby.
Police said there were no arrests.
Youths and adults carry an American flag during a protest march through downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press
Martin Luther King III, center, helps lead a protest march with other activists through downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press
Rocky C. Beaudreau, a supporter of President Donald Trump, holds sign across the street from protestors marching through downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press
Bhavik Patel raises his fist during a protest rally in downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press
Dallas police stand guard during a protest march through downtown Dallas, Sunday, April 9, 2017. Thousands of people are marching and rallying in downtown Dallas to call for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system and end to what organizers say is an aggressive deportation policy. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
The Associated Press