The U.S. Consulate in Toronto was the target of a large protest Monday over an executive order by President Donald Trump to temporarily ban travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries on entering the United States.
More than a hundred people orchestrated a sit-in around 8 a.m. in front of the embassy on University Avenue in downtown Toronto before marching their way down to city hall at 9 a.m.
The rally returned to the consulate just before 10 a.m. It finished just after 2 p.m.
Many in the group say they have Muslim friends or know those who have been affected by Trump’s immigration ban.
“My best friend is Iranian and Muslim and I thought I would stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing blatant racism at this time,” protester Chris Walasek said.
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The U.S. Consulate said it has cancelled Visa and American citizen services on Monday.
The embassy also warned its citizens to avoid the area even though they said police will be monitoring the event.
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“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence,” a statement on the U.S. embassy website said.
“You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”
The U.S. travel ban has incited outrage from political leaders and citizens from around the globe over the weekend.
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Canadian officials had been working the past couple of days on clarifying whether the ban affected Canadians.
It wasn’t until Sunday that Ottawa managed to confirm Canadians with dual citizenship, permanent residents and those who had a passport from their home country will not be turned back at the border.
A similar demonstration against the travel ban is planned outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa Monday afternoon.
Nick Westoll contributed to this report
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