NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tensions ran high outside a Nashville federal courthouse as dozens of protesters rallied to support Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

While the hearing was taking place inside, protesters gathered outside the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and Courthouse — holding signs, chanting and delivering emotional speeches to the crowd. They demanded three things: due process for Abrego Garcia, for the abolition of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and an end to what they called the weaponization of the U.S. Government.

“The way this whole thing has been handled has been illegal and racist,” Rebecca Bornac, a resident in Nashville, said. “I wanted Kilmar to know we support him, and we support his right to a fair trial.”

Abrego Garcia was deported to an El Salvador prison in March. He’s been accused of conspiring to bring undocumented immigrants to the U.S. from 2016 to 2025.

“As a citizen of the United States, I am deeply sorry and ashamed for the treatment that my country has visited upon Mr. Abrego Garcia, which violates our core principles as a people and his rights on U.S. soil,” Ian Montgomery, Organizer with United Volunteers and Organizers for Tennessee expressed.

Speeches continued for almost three hours, and some participants went into the courtroom to listen in to the arraignment firsthand.

“He was in an orange jumpsuit, and everything was peaceful and fine,” Margaret Pitts, a resident in Nashville, explained. “To be a part of it and witness it felt really important.”

The participants told News 2 that they would never stop fighting for Abrego’s freedom.

“We are people, Nashvillians, Tennesseans, standing up for what is right, standing up for our constitution for our neighbors and due process,” a protester expressed.

The protest wrapped up around 11:30 a.m. due to inclement weather, but event organizers told News 2 they will be back out again on Saturday for ‘No Kings’ at Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park.