RALEIGH, N.C. -- The images of migrant children being separated from their parents at the border spurred a wave of nationwide protests on Saturday.

• Crowds of people filled the streets for Families Belong Together march 
• Demonstrators criticized ICE for separating familis at the border
• Rallies were held across the country, including Raleigh

Thousands came to Raleigh's Families Belong Together march, which went from City Plaza up Fayetteville Street to the Bicentennial Mall. Demonstrators criticized Immigration & Customs Enforcement, or ICE, for their former policy of family separation at the Mexican border.

"It's a little sad that things had to get this bad to see so many people come out, but we're excited," said Angeline Echevarria, the executive director of Raleigh-based advocacy group El Pueblo. "With this momentum and this level of solidarity, we'll be able to ensure justice for our communities."

When the crowd reached the Bicentennial Mall, speakers and demonstrators raised their voices and their concerns about conditions at the border.

"Children and families are fleeing from harm to be exposed to harm in our country," said Dr. Gerri Mattson, a pediatrician who has worked with several immigrant children.

"As the descendant of Holocaust survivors and people who fled Europe and sought asylum in the United States, I think it's very important to stand in solidarity with those who are now fleeing violence in their home countries," added Meredith Luccione, a demonstrator who came to the rally from Durham. "You individually may not make a difference on your own but if we come together, our collective action will change things."

President Trump sent out a tweet Saturday addressing immigration.