March for legalization and equality on May 1
_Interview with Carlos Montes _
Fight Back! interviewed Carlos Montes, a veteran of the Chicano liberation struggle and a leader of the immigrant rights movement.
Fight Back!: Why are the May Day protests so important this year?
Carlos Montes: This May Day is important because it will bring out hundreds of thousands of Mexican and Central American immigrants to say no to ICE repression and to demand equality. May Day will be a show of force. It will demonstrate the power of the Mexican/Latino working class and solidarity with our sisters and brothers in the home country. The May Day events will show that the millions of undocumented are clear in the demand for full legalization – for all – right now. We demand that immigration legislation be presented and passed this year.
The May 1 marches and rallies will send a clear message to the Department of Homeland Security that that we condemn the continued deportations and demand an end to ICE raids, detentions and deportations.
Fight Back!: Why is the immigrant rights movement gaining strength right now?
Montes: The continued ICE deportations and mass firings, along with the election of President Obama, have given the movement a new level of anger and renewed strength and hope for change. Also groups see the need to unite. We need to stop the deportations and fight for real reform now.
Fight Back!: What is going to be happening in Los Angeles?
Montes: In LA a massive unified march, organized by the May 1, 2010 Coalition will assemble at 10 am at Broadway and Olympic. The march starts at11 am and will go north on Broadway to Temple for rally. Speakers will include workers, activists, youth, religious and political leaders.