DALTON, Ga. — Miguel Gonzalez said when he moved to Dalton with his family in 1993 there weren’t many Hispanics.

“I remember going to the grocery store and being excited when I saw a Hispanic,” he said.

Gonzalez, 31, a native of Mexico, came to America at the age of 8. He was one of many people who spoke at a vigil hosted by the Coalition of Latino Leaders Friday night at Delray Farms to send a message about immigrants, said America Gruner, president of the Coalition of Latino Leaders.

“We love this country and we love our country of origin,” she said.

Gruner chanted at the vigil.

“Repeat after me, brown is not a crime,” she said, echoed by many of the more than 100 people in attendance.

The vigil was attended by people from the Latino community but also others who came out in support. Pastor Juan Blanco from Hispanic Ministry in Murray County opened with a prayer. He prayed for different races in the country.

“Please God, send your angels and protect the families,” he said in English and Spanish. “Bless our community and the officers around Dalton.”

Blanco said he was thankful for every person in attendance and asked them to pray for President Donald Trump and all political leaders.

Ana Goodlett, 32, also a native of Mexico, said she came to America “not by choice” at the age of 15. She said it was important that she come to the vigil.

“People need to know that immigrants are not trying to take advantage of anyone or anything from this country,” she said.

Goodlett said their purpose is to “have a better life.” 

Sara Scott of Chattanooga said she was there to “speak for the white people.”

“We know you’re not criminals and terrorists,” she said to a round of applause. “You’re parents and families and you make our country better.”

Scott said many Americans don’t support President Trump’s idea to build a wall on the border with Mexico. 

“We’re raising our children to tear down walls,” she said.

Geoff Meldahl from Chattanooga Democratic Socialists of America said his group was there to show “solidarity with the Latin American community.”

Members of the Chattanooga group stood on a hill holding a lighted sign that read “No One is Illegal.”

Gruner thanked everyone for supporting the vigil.

“Immigrants are not the problem,” she said, reading one the banners. “The problem is hate, racism, government and the system.” 

Gruner told those in attendance the “only option is to protect each other to overcome hate.”

Lilly Clark of Dalton attended the vigil with her young granddaughter.

“I think it went well and brought awareness to let people know we don’t want families split,” she said.

Clark said people come to America to make their families better.

“America is a melting pot. No one is free until we are all free,” she said.