Hundreds of protesters scrambled together in Washington Square Wednesday evening to protest against President Trump’s new anti-immigration policies.

Earlier that day, Trump signed an executive order to begin construction of a wall along the United States’ border with Mexico. A draft of an executive order to halt issuing visas to people from “countries of particular concern,” predominantly Muslim nations, was also leaked, but according to The New York Times, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said there is no set date for issuance of new rules because the “nature of them has not been decided yet.”

The crowd at the gathering was diverse; from college students blossoming into their political identities, to older generations still fighting for human rights. The signs were focused on Muslim and Immigrant rights— although the Women’s March had a plethora of signs and slogans. Many individuals were holding candles, and several times during the event, the crowd was encouraged to hold up a light on their cell phones. It was an intersection of all ages and backgrounds.

Brooklyn-born publicist Amanda Mustafic, came out to the rally to discover she had a place in this country, thanks to the overwhelming support the crowd gave to fellow New Yorkers of Islamic faith. “As the first-generation daughter of Muslim immigrants from Syria and the former Yugoslavia, I appreciate everyone for coming out and reminding me I’m welcome in my city at a time when I felt like my country doesn’t want me here. I want everyone here to know each and every made a difference to me,” she said.

Trump’s order would also ban Syrian refugees and block federal aid to U.S. sanctuary cities, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Austin, and Boston, according to The Washington Post.

Because New York is also a sanctuary city, New Yorkers called for the rally to show solidarity for the city’s large population of immigrants. “as a city of immigrants, we cannot stay silent in the face of such hate. We ask you to gather tonight (Wednesday), to show President Trump that all New Yorkers stand with our Muslim and Latino neighbors. Together, we will form a beacon of light against the coming darkness,” said the event’s organizers from the Council on American-Islamic Relations in a Facebook post.

Wednesday’s gathering was more of a vigil, as opposed to a protest like the Women’s March days earlier which garnered more than 200,000, according to TK. However, one of the march’s organizers, Palestinian-American activist Linda Sarsour, was also one of the speakers at the Wednesday gathering.

“I’m a true New Yorker through and through,” Sarsour said. “Be careful, because the opposition is ready, but what they don’t know, is that we are ready too.”

Through her words, she expressed the hope that this city will not back down to the Trump administration.

Several New School students skipped class — during the very first week of school — to support the protest, like  Design and Technology sophomore Camille Elliott. “The energy I felt at the protest was so invigorating and it was reminiscent of the hope I felt when Obama was elected,” she said. “I think the people are forced to truly come together and make a difference so we can all live peacefully and respect one another as we would like to be respected.”

Mayor Bill de Blasio held a last-minute press conference later in the evening to address Trump’s executive order and how it could impact NYC. According to coverage from ABC7 New York, Mayor de Blasio affirmed his opposition to the incoming administration’s policies.

Overall, the event was a comforting space to heal and organize. “As a first-generation American-Muslim born to Pakistani Immigrants (who have since become naturalized citizens) — thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Much love and peace to you all. We will keep up the fight and won’t let up; we will not let hatred win. Love trumps hate.” Adeel Syed Azim expressed. In less than 24 hours, New Yorkers were able to come together, and to protect their beloved neighbors.