SoCal protesters urge local lawmakers to take action against zero-tolerance immigration policy

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- Southern California protesters are coming together over the controversial immigration crackdown, calling on local lawmakers to take action.

Protesters gathered Tuesday in Palmdale outside the office of Rep. Steve Knight, telling the congressman they are against immigrant families being separated.

AUDIO: Migrant children separated from parents wail at U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility

The crowd included residents in Knight's district as well as members of Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). They want the congressman to take action against the Trump administration's "zero-tolerance" policy. Under that policy, anyone who is caught crossing the border illegally is prosecuted, and as a result, parents are separated from their children.

"It's un-American to have family separation in this century here in America," Diana R. said.

The government is now holding at least 2,000 migrant minors, whose parents are being held separately in detention centers.

MORE: Hundreds of children wait in Border Patrol facility in Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection released new video from inside the centralized processing center in McAllen.

Leaders on both sides of the aisle have spoken out against the practice of separating families. More than 30 Democratic senators have cosponsored legislation to stop the separation of families at the border - this includes Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris. In addition, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz announced he would also introduce legislation to keep families together as their cases are being processed.

In addition to the Palmdale protest, approximately 80 people are taking part in a caravan traveling the state to go to the offices of Republican congressional representatives from Irvine to Modesto.

MORE: Everything you need to know about the immigrant family separation controversy

''Good Morning America'' has the latest on the Trump administration's ''zero tolerance'' immigration policy that has led to children and parents being separated.

That caravan, which includes DACA recipients and their families, was expected to protest outside the offices of Republican representatives in different parts of California - including at the office of Rep. Mimi Walters.

Walters, who is up for re-election in November, has said she believes children brought to the U.S. illegally should be allowed to stay here as long as they've not committed a crime.

Protesters are meeting Tuesday in Irvine, where a caravan will hit the road to urge lawmakers to change the policy that separates migrant children form their parents.