Hundreds of thousands of immigrant workers and their supporters marched in cities around the U.S. on May 1, International Workers Day. The marchers' main demands were for immediate legalization for all undocumented immigrants and an immediate end to the wave of raids and deportations targeting Mexican, Latin American, and other immigrant workers.

Police Later Attack Second Rally at MacArthur Park

Los Angeles, CA – 100,000 enthusiastic demonstrators took the streets here May 1. Marching up Broadway to a mass rally at City hall, they demanded legalization for undocumented immigrant workers and an end to raids and deportations. The event was well organized and included security for the protest. The event was led by the March 25 Coalition, which has brought together dozens of community and labor groups, including Latinos Against War.

Los Angles, CA – The Los Angeles Police Commission hearing on May 8 drew hundreds of angry protesters demanding that Los Angeles Police Department officers be fired and prosecuted for attacking the peaceful Mexican/Latinos families gathered at Macarthur Park on May 1. Some called for the firing of Chief Bratton.

In the spring of 2006 millions of Latino and other immigrants rallied against the Sensenbrenner bill, HR4437, that would have criminalized the undocumented. This movement called for legal residency for the undocumented and opposed the Bush administration’s call for a guest worker program.

Los Angeles, CA – “The struggle continues for legalization and to beat back the new attacks of the Bush administration, including the new policy of beefing up ICE enforcement at worksites and further militarization the border,” says Carlos Montes, one of the organizers of the planned Aug. 18 mass march for immigrant rights. The L.A. march will start at noon at Olympia and Broadway. Large-scale civil disobedience is set for the same week

Los Angeles, CA – I met Elvira Arellano briefly on Aug. 18, at Los Angeles’s Placita Catholic Church, after our pro-immigrant rights march in downtown. I was tired but meeting her and her son Saulito energized and inspired me.

Chicago, IL – A hundred supporters of Elvira Arellano and her son Saul gathered here, Aug. 19, in the pouring rain outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building. They were protesting the arrest and detention of Elvira earlier that day in Los Angeles. At a 10:00 p.m. emergency press conference, they demanded her freedom and to know her current location and status.

Los Angeles, CA – More than 4,000 people marched here, Aug. 18 in support of immigrant rights.

With Republicans leading the way, in June 2007 the U.S. Senate voted not to proceed with immigration reform. Some say it will take years to resolve. But we say no! We are angry that a just and complete immigration reform was not gained for the millions of families.

Los Angeles, CA – The We Are All Elvira & Saulito Unity Coalition held a successful protest here, Oct. 12, in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters, demanding an end to raids and deportations. The protest brought together many immigrant rights, religious, community and anti-war groups that have been active in the fight for the legalization of undocumented immigrants.

Los Angeles, CA – The battle is on. Attacks against immigrants are intensifying. There is an upturn in ICE raids, mass detentions and deportations. Jailing, beatings and killings by police and ICE agents continue, with hate crimes against Mexicans on the rise.

Build a broad united front for immigrant rights

Fight Back! interviews Carlos Montes on the next steps in the struggle for immigrant rights. Montes is a veteran leader in the Chicano liberation movement and is an important leader in the struggle for immigrant rights.

Los Angeles, CA – Immigrant rights activists formed a human chain around the federal building, March 25 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the mega-march that filled LA streets.

‘You have to make a commitment, if we want to make changes’

On July 5, writers for Fight Back! interviewed Dolores Huerta. Huerta is a longtime organizer best known as a co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO (UFW). She is vice president and secretary-treasurer emeritus of that organization, and currently heads the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

Los Angeles, CA – Immigrant rights activists from around the U.S. came together here at a conference, Feb. 3-4, to plan for the Great American Boycott II for immigrant rights on May 1.

Los Angeles, CA – The single largest victory for the labor movement since the 1930s took place here last spring. Seventy four thousand homecare workers voted for a union, and won their first raise ever, from the State of California. This year, the struggle for a Union contract continues.

Chicago, IL – After a six-day occupation of the plant which brought them nationwide attention, the Republic Windows and Doors workers met inside their factory tonight, Dec. 10, to vote on the settlement offer from their employer. A roomful of politicians watched and a knot of supporters waited for the results with great anticipation.