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LOS ANGELES () — Thousands of people hit the streets of Los Angeles Friday to mark International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day.
This happened as the city of L.A. issued a citywide tactical alert Friday afternoon. The alert means that no Los Angeles police officers are allowed to go off duty and more resources will be sent to downtown if needed. Around 3 p.m., a group began gathering near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A., where a fence had been set up around the complex. Just before 5 p.m., police issued a dispersal order, saying some demonstrators were blocking traffic. Minutes later, the citywide tactical alert was canceled.
So far, protests have remained largely peaceful. Large crowds gathered for a rally at MacArthur Park in the morning and then began marching toward Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles, where another rally was expected to be held.
Dozens of people began gathering outside the downtown L.A. detention center as the city issued a citywide tactical alert.
This year’s theme was “Solo el Pueblo Shuts It Down!,” with the rights of workers and immigrants being the focus of demonstrations nationwide. Well over 100 groups and organizations make up the May Day coalition — including labor unions, faith-based and immigrants rights groups.
People took to the streets to voice their frustration on issues ranging from ICE raids and labor unions demanding higher wages for workers.
March organizers and the Los Angeles Police Department are asking participants to remain peaceful and non-violent.
Organizers are also urging people to skip work, school or shopping in solidarity. They say an economic shutdown hits those who don’t support them where it hurts – right in the pocketbook.
“That’s because we’re the workers. We’re the ones that run this city. Without us, these companies wouldn’t have anything,” said Erika Schwerdt with the nonprofit Strength Based Community Change. “It’s important to remember that May Day is the reason why we have an 8-hour work day.”
Before the march kicked off at MacArthur Park, organizers spoke about their message.
“We’re fighting for more. More dignity, more fairness, more opportunity and a real chance for working families to thrive,” said Yvonne Wheeler, president of the L.A. Federation of Labor. “Because under this administration, too many working people are being pushed to the brink. The rising cost of living is stretching families thin, while policies continue to target and divide communities, especially in our immigrant communities.”
This year’s May Day marks the 20th anniversary of “La Gran Marcha,” which means the The Great March in Spanish. Back in 2006, the largest public demonstration in U.S. history took place in L.A. More than 500,000 marched in the pro-immigration protest.
Massive crowds marching toward downtown Los Angeles for a May Day rally focusing on the rights of workers immigrants.
“Strength in community. The people united will never be divided. You’re going to hear that a hundred times today,” said Tonya Somesh with South Asian Network. “That’s because when immigrant communities all stand together, we can win and we can fight.”
Organizers estimated somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 people participated in Friday’s May Day rally.
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