One year ago, the world watched as migrant families were separated at the southern border and some were brought under cover of darkness to New York City.

Our Josh Robin had the exclusive video that spread across the globe.


Not long after, President Donald Trump ordered separation ended.

A candlelight vigil was held Thursday at the Cayuga Centers in East Harlem. Demanding freedom for the children, protesters lined the street outside the facility, remembering what became a pivotal moment in the Trump administration's family separation policy.

"Today marks a year anniversary that 239 kids were brought here that were separated from their families," said Lupita Escobar of Movement for Justice in El Barrio, which organized the demonstration. "That's why we're here to fight for them, the ones that are still left."

Last June, NY1 captured exclusive video of children being brought to the foster care facility from the southern border, arriving in the middle of the night.

While it's unclear if any migrant children remain at Cayuga, immigration activists remain outraged.

"Currently, there are still 55 children that have yet to be reunited with their parents," said Juan Haro, an organizer for Movement for Justice in El Barrio.

More than 2,500 children were taken from their families before the administration stopped the practice and a judge ordered them reunited.

Earlier this week, Trump touted his tough stance on immigration. "People are pouring in, but we've stopped them," he said at a campaign rally. "And now, as I've said, we have other people helping us."

Demonstrators Thursday were not surprised. "Trump, even now that he's running for reelection, is again showing his hate towards people of color, towards marginalized communities, towards immigrants," Haro said.

Protestors say as along as children remain separated from their families, they'll continue to fight. They also called on Congress to cut funding to the U.S. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), vowing that the battle is far from over.