‘Are your kids next?’

WAIMEA — More than 20 residents and visitors lined Mamalahoa Highway waving signs Saturday morning to protest more than 2,300 children ripped away from their parents and caged or otherwise hidden in secret places across the U.S. earlier this month.

The sign waving, in front of Parker Ranch Center, was organized by North Hawaii Action Network.

“I think it’s absolutely horrendous what is happening in our nation right now and that we are repeating some of the worst parts of our history. This can’t continue to happen,” Lannette Rangel said, a San Diego resident who took time out of her vacation to participate. “I couldn’t miss this event because it’s too important.”

Arthur, 8, who asked his last name remain anonymous, said, “I want other kids to be treated like we’re treated.”

Maria Castro, born and raised in Baja, Mexico, moved to the Big Island legally 35 years ago.

“I never knew people hated people because of color before I came to the U.S.,” she commented while waving her sign while cars passed, honking in support.

The group’s goal is to show their support of reuniting children with their families and ending internment of immigrant families. For older Hawaii residents recent events hit closer to home, eerily reminiscent of Japanese internment camps set up in Hawaii during World War II.