Dozens rallied outside a federal building in Newark to protest President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration regarding America's southern border.

While the White House insists that there is a crisis at the border between the United States and Mexico, critics insist it's a racist way of keeping immigrants out of the country.

"I feel very strongly about the president using his executive powers to circumvent the powers of the Congress," said Marsha McGowan, of Newark.

Meanwhile, there has been a mixed reaction on both sides from Congress regarding the decision.

"This is an encroachment that even Republicans are speaking out against," said Sen. Cory Booker.

Some Republican politicians fear that Democrats could unilaterally move billions of dollars using the same means if they are in office. Others say that since Congress will not give Trump what he feels the country needs, he has the right to do it on his own.

Customs and Border Protection apprehended close to 400,000 people at the border last year, which is an increase from 2017 but less than in 2016.

If Congress votes to disapprove the president's declaration, a top adviser for Trump says he is prepared to issue the first veto of his term.

New Jersey is among 16 states that will file a lawsuit against President Trump's use of emergency powers.