Hundreds of demonstrators in the Tunisian capital took to the streets Saturday to denounce racism and express solidarity with migrants after the country's leader Kais Saied said there was a plot to erase his country's identity by importing Africans, The Associated Press reported. 

Demonstrators marched through downtown Tunis, chanting "No to racism!", "Solidarity with migrants" and "No to police repression!" 

The rally was reportedly organized by the Tunisian journalists' union and several nongovernmental organizations.

Tunisian President earlier said that "urgent measures" are needed to solve the problem of the entry of illegal immigrants from sub-Saharan countries, "with their large amount of violence, crime and unacceptable practices.

In recent days, about 100 migrants from sub-Saharan countries have been detained for illegally crossing the Tunisian border. Other migrants enter the country from neighboring Libya.

Kais Saied's comments sparked an uproar on social media and condemnation by nongovernmental organizations.