WATCH: Protesters Rally In Westfield Outside Rep. Lance's Office

WESTFIELD, NJ — "No Hate. No Fear. Immigrants are welcome here. No Hate. No Fear. Refugees are welcome here." These were among the sayings chanted in both English and Spanish by immigrant residents, activists and politicians Thursday afternoon at the doorstep of Rep. Congressman Leonard Lance's Westfield office.

Make the Road New Jersey set up the rally to call upon Lance (NJ-7) to oppose immigration raids and the expansion of private detention centers.

Within 10 minutes of the rally, Westfield Police showed up with barricades to keep protesters away from the walls and windows of Lance's building.

Protesters received much support from passing traffic, as cars would honk or cheer in favor of their actions.

Carlos Menchaca, a New York City Council Member and the first Mexican to be elected to office in the city, came out in support of Make the Road NJ.

"There is a massive Mexican community here," Menchaca told Patch at the rally. "I support them."

Rev. Dr. LL DuBreuil, a Pastor of the Faith United Church of Christ in Union, also came out to rally in support of her congregants

"I am here to show my love and faith," DuBreuil told Patch. "The action being taken by our President goes against every teaching of our creator. My church is a church of immigrants and I am here for them because they are working today so I am working for them."

Elizabeth Chabla, a member of Make the Road NJ, met with Lance's Chief of Staff to demand a meeting with Lance.

"We want to talk to him and hear his answer on what he thinks about Trump's actions and what is going on in his district," Chabla said." There are about 4,500 immigrants in District 7."

Roselle Mayor Christine Dansereau also came out to speak on behalf of her constituents.

"This is a decision of human rights," Dansereau told Patch about the Trump's deportation plan. "Today it is immigrants. Tomorrow it will be someone else."

Dansereau noted that next month Roselle will declare itself a sanctuary city for her many residents including the "non-voting residents."

"There are a large mix of residents in Roselle including Syrian, Muslim, Russian, Haitian, Peruvian, Mexican and they are all afraid and shouldn't be afraid," Dansereau said. "They are being treated like criminals because they don't have a piece of paper."

A rally was also held earlier on Thursday at the Elizabeth Detention Center at 625 Evans Street in Elizabeth. There were reports of some protesters getting arrested and media being blocked.

(Photos and video by Alexis Tarrazi)

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