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A march and rally in support of immigrants happened in Geneva on Saturday

People gathered in Geneva's Bicentennial Park Saturday in support of area immigrants
Kelly Walker, Finger Lakes Public Radio WEOS
People gathered in Geneva's Bicentennial Park Saturday in support of area immigrants

A large crowd braved bitterly cold temperatures in Geneva on Saturday to march and rally in support of immigrants targeted by the Trump administration.

The marchers began in a parking lot on Exchange Street, paused briefly at City Hall, and then continued to Bicentennial Park for the rally.

Rafael Diaz Diaz was among the march and rally’s organizers. Diaz Diaz is a longtime Geneva resident and owns several downtown businesses. He has noticed first-hand the chilling effect new policies targeting immigrants has had on the business community.

"People don't go out. They're scared to go to restaurants. They're scared to go to Wal-Mart. They're scared to go everywhere. I'm the person who's buying his groceries every morning. Sometimes I have to go twice to the market and they've been so empty."

Other downtown small businesses whose customers include the migrant community have reported downturns in sales following reports of ICE activity locally over the past week. Individuals on social media have encouraged members of the community to shop local to support the businesses that have been affected.