Protests and arrests in city
EXUBERANT RALLIES, inspirational speeches and more than two dozen arrests for the cause of immigrant workers marked May Day celebrations around the city on Monday.
A dozen protesters were arrested outside JPMorgan Chase’s Park Ave. headquarters, and demonstrators also gathered in front of a Wells Fargo bank nearby, highlighting the two institutions’ financing of private Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.
One woman in handcuffs was captured on video chanting, “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” as she was loaded into an NYPD van. Cops took 32 people into custody, most of whom received desk appearance tickets for disorderly conduct and were released. But two protesters were held and awaited arraignment on charges of resisting arrest and attempted assault, police said.
Across the country, a “Day Without Immigrants” strike was planned for the May 1 holiday that honors workers. Organizers said they were highlighting immigrants’ contributions to American society amid President Trump’s crackdown on those here illegally.
At a rally in Washington Square Park, hundreds of demonstrators sang and listened to passionate speeches in defense of human rights and fair wages.
“We are visible because we a part of this community,” said Raul Delacruz, who was representing workers at B&H Photo, where employees have been trying to secure better wages. “Together we formed a union, and together we are powerful. We are visible because we