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

'A Day Without Immigrants' protest in Sanford

People gathered in Sanford to be apart of the movement called "A Day Without Immigrants" that is happening across the U.S. The protests are against the Trump administrations immigration policies. FOX 35's Hannah Mackenzie spoke to some in attendance.

ORLANDO, Fla. - 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.

Federal agents crackdown on immigration across the U.S.

Federal agents are cracking down on immigration with raids happening here in Florida and across the country. According to the Federal Government there have been over 7,000 criminal migrants arrested across the country.

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

"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.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shares plans for illegal immigration

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discussed his plans to address illegal immigration at a press conference hosted at 11 a.m. on Friday in Destin.

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.

Federal agents raid Sanford apartment complex

Sanford Police Chief Cecile Smith has confirmed to FOX 35 that federal agents were on scene at an apartment complex off Live Oak Boulevard early Wednesday morning.

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.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: