Austin American Statesman: Doggett, protesters rally in Austin against family separations at border

4:45 p.m. update: U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett joined dozens of protesters in downtown Austin to condemn the separation of immigrant families trying to enter the United States.

"It strikes me as fundamentally wrong that we literally tear babes from the arms of their mothers," Doggett said at a rally in Republic Square Park. "This kind of separation causes permanent scars on these children."

Earlier: Protesters will rally in downtown Austin on Friday to denounce the separation of unauthorized immigrant and asylum-seeking families by U.S. officials as they enter the United States.

People from several activist coalitions will gather at 4:30 p.m. at Republic Square Park as part of the National Day of Action for Children.

Several speakers, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett and state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, both Austin Democrats, will talk about family separation, actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, immigration reform efforts and how the community can get involved.

After the rally, the group will march for five blocks from the park to Brazos Hall, 204 E. Fourth St.

Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, will be speaking at Brazos Hall at 6 p.m. Friday to launch this weekend's conference for the Maverick political action committee.