South Bend rally shows support for DACA program

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Dozens of people gathered Tuesday in South Bend to show support for the DACA program.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program allows undocumented immigrants who were brought into the U.S. as minors to stay here legally so they can go to school or work.

The demonstration was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. and Father Hesburgh statue.

Hispanic community leaders spoke at the event, including the director of La Casa de Amistad, Sam Centellas.

"It's become a critical part of our economy," Centellas said of the program. "It's created so many additional opportunities for youth in our community to be able to continue school, to go to college, to work."

Some local students who have benefited from the program also spoke out.

"It feels very inclusive as a community," Miguel Molina Ventura said, "cause you know that you have a lot of people in this area that are supportive of dreamers and the undocumented community 'cause they know that we help drive this nation."

The rally was held Tuesday because it is the anniversary of when DACA was signed into law by President Obama in 2012.

Some people believe the program may be in danger under President Trump.