ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A number of local groups gathered to either protest or support U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan’s visit to Rochester. Demonstrations took place on the Culver Road overpass over 490, at the Public Safety Building, and outside the Locust Club.

Homan visited to meet with the Rochester Police Department following a viral traffic stop where RPD officers helped Border Patrol make immigration arrests. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says this violates the city’s sanctuary city policy. Homan told News10NBC’s Brett Davidsen about his planned visit during an interview earlier this month.

News10NBC’s Jennifer Lewke was at the protest in front of the Rochester Police Department. Protesters say they plan to stay there until 5 p.m. and then hold a rally at Rochester City Hall to support the city’s sanctuary city policies.

“I think they’re coming here now to just create this false neighborhood,” one protester said. “Yes, officers did something against policy. They’re being retrained, no one is losing their jobs over it. Okay, let’s just get all on the same page. I just think this is such a stunt to come here and again, drive a wedge between police and the community.”

Supporters of Homan rallied outside the Locust Club wearing Trump merchandise and waving thin blue line flags during his visit. One supporter says he’s out there to support American citizens.

“I’m African American from this community and I’m tired of the hypocrisy and the lies being portrayed by people that Tom Homan is here to deport everybody,” said Abdul Bounds. “He’s only here to deport illegal immigrants. If you did not come in to the country through the port of entry, through the right way, you’re illegal.”

Christopher Brancato who was at the rally said he supported the locust club, who have a difficult job and are “turned into villains.”

Another supporter, Tracy Mastrangiola, said she came out to the protests so RPD knows they made the right decision assisting another officer and that it was the right one.

Right across the street were the protesters, who used bullhorns to chant “Tom Homan let’s be clear, refugees are welcome here.”

Protestors were also in front of the Public Safety Building at the time of Homan’s visit. Katie Kreutter, one of the protestors, said she believes it is very important that Rochester protects and preserves its sanctuary city policy and make sure we protect immigrants constitutional rights to due process.

“I think there’s a lot of abuses of power going on and that we need to stand up and do something about it,” said Kreutter.

RELATED:

• Border Czar Tom Homan discusses planned visit to Rochester during a White House briefing (April 28)
• Border Czar to visit Rochester amid sanctuary city lawsuit; Mayor responds to lawsuit (April 28)
• Sparks fly during interview between Rochester mayor and News10NBC anchor (April 9)
• Border Czar Tom Homan discusses controversial Border Patrol traffic stop in Rochester (April 8)
• State senator criticizes sanctuary city policies after Rochester traffic stop sparks debate (March 28)
• See full video of RPD officers helping Border Patrol during a traffic stop (March 26)

AI assisted with the formatting of this story. Click here to see how WHEC News10NBC uses AI.