The news that young immigrant children are allegedly abused under government care in Staunton spurred persistent protest planning that could draw over 100 people from across the state to join concerned residents in solidarity this weekend and next.
A story from the Associated Press detailed allegations of abuse that included forced nudity, broken bones and conditions that led to a suicide attempt.
Here's everything you need to know about the protests against those allegations:
Saturday
The first one takes place Saturday, according to a news release from concerned citizens, and was planned hours after the abuse allegations surfaced.
- Where: 300 Technology Drive in Verona, near the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center.
- When: 11 a.m.
- Organizer: A group of concerned Staunton residents
“The nation is speaking out strongly against Trump’s actions, and now those of us who live near one of the jails must also raise our voices against these cruel measures,” spokesperson William Walker said in the new release. “This should not be happening in our community, or indeed anywhere in the United States.”
Sunday
It's going to be a weekend of back-to-back rallies.
This one is called the Stop Torturing Children Rally, according to a news release from the SAW Citizen Action Network, a non-partisan organization whose goal is to support the communities of Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro.
- Where: 300 Technology Drive in Verona, near the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center.
- When: 10 a.m.
- Organizer: SAW Citizen Action Network
As of Friday afternoon, the protest had 99 people attending, according to its Facebook event and 383 people interested in attending.
Jennifer Kitchen, founder and president of the network, said they're expecting well over 100 people from around the state to join the peaceful protest. She urged that anyone interested in attending should bring plenty of water.
"Once the story about the detention center in Verona went national we decided it was time to have large scaled action," Kitchen said.
The Charlottesville-area Immigrant Resource and Advocacy Coalition is co-sponsoring the rally.
Saturday, June 30
A Families Belong Together rally will take place next weekend.
Supporters plan to have a vigil and sing peaceful songs, according to the event's website.
- Where: TBD
- When: 10 a.m.
- Organizer: Families Belong Together
This article will be updated throughout the day as the News Leader collects more information.