WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Nov. 12, 2019, thousands of recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and their allies took to the streets of Washington, D.C., to protest outside of the Supreme Court as it heard arguments on the Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California case. Some chanted clever rhymes, while others silently held up homemade signs.

The case is not focused on the merits of the DACA program, which allows approximately 670,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as young children to live and work in the United States, but is instead arguing whether the Trump administration acted improperly when it abruptly announced the end of the program. Among the throngs of protesters was a bus full of University of Maryland students and CASA participants — some of whom were undocumented immigrants themselves.

A man stands outside of the Supreme Court on Nov. 12, 2019. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
As the plaintiffs exit from the Supreme Court, protesters hold up signs outside to support them. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case hold up their fists in solidarity at a press conference. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)

 

A protester holds up a sign outside the Supreme Court. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
University of Maryland students and members of CASA walk to the protest. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, stands alongside Maria Perales Sánchez, one of the plaintiffs. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
A protester cuddles her dog. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senate Democratic Whip, greets plaintiffs and supporters. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
As the Supreme Court hears arguments on DACA, protesters gather outside to make their voices heard on Nov. 12, 2019. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Letitia James, the Attorney General of New York, speaks at a press conference alongside several plaintiffs and attorneys. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
Theodore B. Olson, attorney for the plaintiffs, speaks alongside Janet Napolitano, president of University of California system and former Secretary of Homeland Security, as well as several plaintiffs. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
University of Maryland students and members of CASA protest in front of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
University of Maryland students and members of CASA walk to the protest in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. (Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)
(Julia Nikhinson/The Diamondback)

CORRECTION: Due to a reporting error, a previous version of this photo essay incorrectly named members of CASA, an immigrant advocacy group, as Court Appointed Special Advocates. This photo essay has been updated.