Hundreds of people gathered at Taylor Park in St. Albans City on Friday to show solidarity with people who have been targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.The rally at Taylor Park included speeches, music, and a march through the city before demonstrators later moved to the Customs and Border Protection facility for a nonviolent sit-in “It’s important to come to these places and realize that you’re not alone,” protester Daisy Heibel said. “Your community is here with you, and we are all standing together. And that gives you hope.” Related: Protesters stage sit-in outside CBP officeOrganizers said the event was aimed at protesting actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection while calling for broader changes to immigration enforcement policies.“These are law enforcement agencies and they are violating the law. We want them to obey the law,” said Paul Markowitz, another protestor.The large crowds also prompted some local changes earlier in the day. Schools in the area dismissed early Friday because of concerns about traffic and congestion surrounding the protest.Related: Protesters sing during protest “There’s no ungodly reason why they have to go that far,” one counterprotester said. Others said they attended to support federal immigration enforcement.”Open some eyes to people ask them why they think it’s okay for illegal immigrants to come here and seek shelter,” said Ryan Larose, a counterprotester. After the downtown rally, more than 100 demonstrators marched to the federal facility, where protesters held a sit-in outside the building and read a list of demands. The facility had already closed for the day ahead of the demonstration.Related: Band marches through Taylor Park”We demand that ICE and CBP officers only apprehend people for probable cause,” one protester said during the gathering.Members of an Interfaith group also visited the Homeland Security office following the rally, where they blessed the building with holy water.City officials had prepared for large crowds throughout the day. NBC5 crews were at the scene for hours, and while traffic delays and heavy crowds were reported, the demonstrations remained peaceful.NBC5 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response on the event.

SAINT ALBANS CITY, Vt. —

Hundreds of people gathered at Taylor Park in St. Albans City on Friday to show solidarity with people who have been targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

The rally at Taylor Park included speeches, music, and a march through the city before demonstrators later moved to the Customs and Border Protection facility for a nonviolent sit-in

“It’s important to come to these places and realize that you’re not alone,” protester Daisy Heibel said. “Your community is here with you, and we are all standing together. And that gives you hope.”

Related: Protesters stage sit-in outside CBP office

Organizers said the event was aimed at protesting actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection while calling for broader changes to immigration enforcement policies.

“These are law enforcement agencies and they are violating the law. We want them to obey the law,” said Paul Markowitz, another protestor.

The large crowds also prompted some local changes earlier in the day. Schools in the area dismissed early Friday because of concerns about traffic and congestion surrounding the protest.

Related: Protesters sing during protest

“There’s no ungodly reason why they have to go that far,” one counterprotester said.

Others said they attended to support federal immigration enforcement.

“Open some eyes to people ask them why they think it’s okay for illegal immigrants to come here and seek shelter,” said Ryan Larose, a counterprotester.

After the downtown rally, more than 100 demonstrators marched to the federal facility, where protesters held a sit-in outside the building and read a list of demands. The facility had already closed for the day ahead of the demonstration.

Related: Band marches through Taylor Park

“We demand that ICE and CBP officers only apprehend people for probable cause,” one protester said during the gathering.

Members of an Interfaith group also visited the Homeland Security office following the rally, where they blessed the building with holy water.

City officials had prepared for large crowds throughout the day. NBC5 crews were at the scene for hours, and while traffic delays and heavy crowds were reported, the demonstrations remained peaceful.

NBC5 has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response on the event.