MIAMI – A crowd of demonstrators marched in downtown Miami to protest President Donald Trump's policies on everything from the travel ban, immigration, the environment, healthcare and the rights of the LGTBQ community.
The crowd marched briefly, while blocking traffic on downtown Miami roads that are generally not busy on the weekends. City of Miami police officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers monitored the peaceful demonstration.
There was also a growing crowd of protesters in West Palm Beach, where Trump has been since Friday and was scheduled to attend the American Red Cross fundraising gala. There was a celebratory mood, as some expressed their support of U.S. District Judge James Robart, who temporarily blocked Trump's travel ban.
The Department of Justice filed an appeal on Saturday night. On Twitter, Trump mocked Robart as a "so-called judge" whose "ridiculous" ruling will be overturned. President George W. Bush appointed Robart. This prompted a "So Called President" protest on social media.
"The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned," Trump tweeted. "When a country is no longer able to say who can and who cannot come in & out, especially for reasons of safety & security - big trouble!"
The State Department on Friday said as many as 60,000 foreigners from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen had their visas canceled. The department reversed course Saturday, saying they could travel to the U.S. if they had a valid visa.
The White House was working to reinstate Trump's suspension of the U.S. refugee program. The confusing order prompted protests at Miami International Airport and other airports nationwide. It also led to a series of court challenges.
The Homeland Security Department no longer was directing airlines to prevent visa-holders affected by Trump's order from boarding U.S.-bound planes. The agency said it had "suspended any and all actions" related to putting in place Trump's order, which the White House argued was "intended to protect the homeland."
Demonstrations also took place outside of the White House, in New York City, Paris and London.