DOZENS ARRESTED IN PROTESTS ACROSS U.S.
Thousands show solidarity with immigrants, object to Trump’s policies
PORTLAND Day, celebrated as International Workers’ Day, follow similar actions worldwide, in which protesters from the Philippines to Paris demanded better working conditions.
But the widespread protests in the US were aimed at the new Republican president. In cities large and small, the protests intensified throughout the day.
Teachers working without contracts opened the day by picketing outside schools in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Activists in Phoenix petitioned state legislators to support immigrant families. In a Los Angeles park, thousands waved American flags and signs reading “love not hate”.
Selvin Martinez, an immigrant from Honduras with an American flag draped around his shoulders, took the day off from his job waxing casino floors to protest.
“We hope to get to be respected as people, because we are not animals, we are human beings,” said Martinez, who moved to Los Angeles 14 years ago fleeing violence in his country.
The White House did not respond to requests for a response to the May Day demonstrations.
In Miami, Alberto and Maribel Resendiz closed their juice bar, losing an estimated revenue of US$3,000 (RM12,980), to join a rally.
“This is the day where people can see how much we contribute,” said Alberto Resendiz, who previously worked as a migrant worker in fields as far away as Michigan.
“This country will crumble down without us. We deserve a better treatment,” he said.
In Oakland, more than 1,000 people marched peacefully along with Mexican, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino and other immigrants.
While union members traditionally march on May 1 for workers’ rights around the world, the day has become a rallying point for immigrants in the US since massive demonstrations were held on the date in 2006 against a proposed immigration enforcement bill. AP