Space Coast, FL – On May 1, over 100 workers, union members and community members rallied at Kiwanis Park to mark International Workers’ Day, featuring a series of speeches by community organizers and union members.

Speakers included members from the Airline Pilots Association (AFL-CIO), the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance and the pro-Palestine community organization Space Coast Progress Hub. Their demands were heard loud and clear: workers over billionaires, taxing the rich, standing with immigrant workers and highlighting the Palestinian struggle.

Caroline Abidin, member of the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance opened her speech by asking the crowd to join her in chanting, “Los inmigrantes son bienvenidos aquí.” Her speech marked the 20th anniversary of May Day 2006, known as A Day Without Immigrants, when millions of people marched nationwide to protest the anti-immigrant bill HR 4437.

Abidin emphasized that because of May Day 2006, HR 4437 never became law, but 20 years later, the fight is not over. The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), due to Trump’s anti-immigrant and racist policies, continue to cast a long shadow over American communities by disrupting families and generating widespread fear among both immigrant and American citizen residents.

Abidin closed her speech with the Space Coast Immigrant Rights Alliance’s campaign to end the 287(g) agreements with local police departments in Brevard County, stating, “Ending 287(g) is not just about immigration. It is labor strategy. Our labor is our leverage, and our unity is our power. Every worker, regardless of where they were born, deserves dignity, a living wage and the right to come home safe.”

Vance Ahrens, co-founder of the Space Coast Progress Hub, explained how Palestine and the ongoing genocide are central to understanding International Workers’ Day and must not be forgotten.

Ahrens stated, “The Palestinian people are not separate from the global working-class struggle. The same system that exploits workers here arms occupation there. The same ruling class that tells us there is no money for housing, healthcare or schools sends billions to maintain apartheid, siege and war. The same corporations that profit from low wages also profit from weapons, surveillance, checkpoints, prisons and displacements.”

Ahrens told the crowd labor unions around the world have widely adopted the Palestinian cause and have called for union action to halt investment of trade union pension funds in Israel, refuse to handle arms to Israel, and “elevate the American trade union position to the level of the global labor movement.”

Participants concluded the rally by marching across the bridge on the Melbourne Causeway. They carried signs calling for kicking ICE out of Florida, fighting back against billionaires, and removing Trump from office.

#SpaceCoastFL #FL #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

San Jose, CA – On May 1, 1500 people gathered in East San Jose for the annual San Jose May Day march. This year marked 20 years since May Day was revived in the United States with the 2006 immigrant rights megamarches in protest of the racist, anti-immigrant Sensenbrenner bill. This year, the May Day march began at the intersection of Story and King, an historic center of the Chicano community in San Jose and the same starting location as the 2006 march.

Local singer and songwriter Miguel Trujillo kicked off the opening rally with several songs about the struggles of workers and immigrants.

Louie Rocha, one of the original lead organizers of the 2006 May Day march and retired CWA worker, spoke to the crowd, “Over 200,000 marched and that march started from right here at Story and King Roads. The thousands of marchers included workers, mothers, fathers, families, students, small business owners, to support a fair immigration policy and to also demand respect for those that toil for jobs and services that are least desired.”

“Millions more marched across the country that day. On that day young and old were united. On that day every color in our community was present and marched united for justice. The people watched over the people. HR 4437 ultimately did not pass Congress. We need to keep organizing,” Rocha continued.

This year, as in 2006, the May Day march was joined by walkouts by hundreds of high school students. In all, seven San Jose high schools held walkouts to join the march.

Jonathan Soria, one of the leading student organizers for the walkouts, spoke to the crowd at Story and King, “As a first generation Mexican American, who comes from a background of hard-working immigrants, I am here to say: this country was built by immigrants, and they are here to stay – este país fue construido por inmigrantes, y están aquí para quedarse.”

Soria continued, “My parents as well as many other immigrants went through so much in hopes of giving their children a chance at life that they never received. We are tired of the racism that we have endured in this country. The oppression we have suffered. So now we are here to let it be known that we will no longer tolerate the same treatment. Going forward we will continue to make our voices heard and fight for our people.”

Jessica Aviles from Community Service Organization San Jose stated, “We are currently facing an administration that’s pitting the working class against each other. They cut federal funding towards resources like medical, SNAP benefits and many more that are necessary to our communities and increase funding for ICE and DHS who are terrorizing our immigrant communities.”

Aviles continued, “They’re doing all of this while telling us that the immigrants are at fault when in reality it’s just an excuse for the system that is failing us all. We may ask ourselves, why are they trying to keep us apart? The answer is plain and simple – because when we fight, we win. We all have to keep showing up because the fight is far from over. We have to be there for our communities so they can remain strong.”

The crowd marched from Story and King to San Jose City Hall, stopping along the way for chanting and more speeches. There were many union contingents, including ATU 265, SEIU 2015, LiUNA 270, CWA District 9, California Fast Food Workers Union, UFCW 5, and the South Bay Labor Council. The crowd changed, “ICE out!” and “El pueblo unido jamas sera vencido!” People waved a variety of flags, from Mexico, to Palestine, to Iran.

At San Jose City Hall, the program continued as attendees checked out resource tables from local community organizations. The event concluded with cultural performances, including folkorico dancers and live music.

San Jose May Day is organized annually by the San Jose May Day Coalition.

#SanJoseCA #CA #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Washington, DC – Community members flooded the streets on May 1 for a march in honor of May Day. The weather was bright and sunny with a cool breeze, making conditions favorable for an energized crowd. Nearly 10,000 feet hit the ground at the National Mall in front of the Washington Monument and marched up past the White House, through Black Lives Matter Plaza, and ending at Franklin Park.

May Day commemorates a long history of workers and immigrants’ struggles. Protesters showed out for immigrant workers in force and stood in steadfast solidarity with working and oppressed people both at home and globally. Chants such as “¡Sí se puede!” and “What’s disgusting? Union busting!” highlighted the strength of the many contingents as they marched in lockstep with one another.

Once the group reached Franklin Park, speakers took the stage and spoke about the importance of uniting in defense of immigrant workers and victims of police crimes.

The National Education Association (NEA) president delivered a fiery speech, addressing Trump directly: “You thought deploying thousands of troops would stop us from organizing. To that we say ‘Hell no!’”

A defining moment of the program was hearing from those directly impacted by ICE violence. The wives of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Rodney Taylor, men who were kidnapped by ICE within the past year, both delivered powerful speeches about the impact on their family and the importance of the movement in fighting to free their spouses.

Mildred Danis-Taylor, wife of Rodney Taylor, read a letter from him describing the horrendous conditions at Stewart Detention Center in Georgia. She demanded his release and an end to the entire deportation system, saying “When we say, ‘ICE out now,’ we mean dismantle a system built on exploitation and harm. May Day is a demand for dignity, protection and freedom, because no worker is free until we are all free!”

Both women stood in solidarity with the mother of Phillip Brown, who was unable to attend due to the risk of police repression. Her son was nearly killed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers when they shot into his car over a traffic stop. The U.S. Attorney’s DC office declined to charge the HSI agents because “no one was hit by the bullets.” Merawi Gerima, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and the Families Not Feds (FNF) Coalition, spoke on behalf of Phillip Brown’s mother at the rally.

“It took the movement six months to get two laws passed to force MPD to release the bodycam footage of this near-murder, but that’s not enough,” says Gerima. “Our focus is to pass legislation to limit federal agent activity in this city, and to hold them accountable for crimes such as this.”

With the rise in repression from the racist and reactionary Trump regime, more people than ever have been pulled into the struggle. Honoring the legacy of May Day in the city further emphasized the throughline between all the people’s movements, especially the fight for community control of the police and legalization for all. The people united will never be defeated! ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

The action was organized by CASA, an immigrant rights organization based in the DMV region, with the help of several other organizations such as FRSO, the FNF Coalition, DC Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression (DCAARPR), NEA, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

#WashingtonDC #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Billings, MT – On Friday, May 1, the Billings Alliance for Immigrant Rights (BAIR) held a protest at the Yellowstone County Courthouse to celebrate International Workers’ Day. 40 people rallied to demand ICE get out of Billings, stop the deportations, and to fight for workers’ and immigrants’ rights.

As the rally was beginning, a pro-ICE disrupter stumbled around the crowd, belligerently shouting anti-immigrant statements. Protesters quickly shut this down by chanting “Up, up with liberation! Down, down with deportations!” and blocking the man with their bodies and signs. The racist counter-protester quickly gave up and walked into traffic to shout by himself on the opposite side of the road. Rally-goers celebrated and held that militant and enthusiastic energy for the rest of the protest.

Mindy Nielsen, a member of BAIR and retired, forty-plus year rank-and-file member of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Local 132 addressed the crowd first. Nielsen spoke about the 46-year-old Amazon warehouse worker in Oregon who died while working. His peers were forced to continue working as his body lay on the floor for over an hour before medics were called.

Nielsen recalled similar treatment working at USPS, saying, “The lack of concern for workers was the same before I retired. We were not allowed to call 911, even if we could find a phone with an outside line. And this was before cell phones. My APWU union was able to stop that insanity!”

Delphine Camarillo, granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and executive board member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 775 has worked as a homecare giver for 34 years. She spoke about the protection for immigrant workers won by her union.

“We formed immigration working committees and added language to our contract to protect those who need it. Our employees will not cooperate with ICE any more than they have to according to the real and pre-existing laws,” Camarillo stated. She closed her speech by chanting “When we fight, we win!” with the crowd.

Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) member Lain Dorsey, gave the final speech, explaining the logic behind Trump’s attacks. “Donald Trump is a reactionary! The cuts to social services, launching illegal wars, and using ICE to terrorize immigrants is a reaction to the progress that we’ve made for workers’ and immigrants’ rights.”

Dorsey continued, “Trump and his billionaire friends want to turn back the clock on the progress our movements have made. Are we gonna let them do that?” Protesters shouted “Hell no!”

May Day is a celebration of the contributions of labor activists, but it is also a reminder that the struggle continues. This was highlighted as the workers, union members and family members of immigrants closed the protest by invoking the late Assata Shakur, chanting, “We have nothing to lose but our chains!”

#BillingsMT #MT #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Dallas, TX – On May 1, 600 workers, students and community members converged at Dallas City Hall demanding an end to billionaire rule and for a society that puts working people first.

The rally took place at Dallas City Hall and was organized by Dallas Fort Worth May Day Coalition, made up of community organizations, labor unions, including the North Texas Area Labor Federation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Young Active Labor Leaders, Palestinian Youth Movement, and the Revolutionary Front, among others.

Organizers are framing the action not as a symbolic protest, but as part of a broader strategy to build real working-class power.

Marching through the streets of Dallas, the crowd chanted, “When workers’ rights are under attack, What do we do? Stand up! Fight back!”

FRSO organizer Faye Damara stated, ”We can build movements that can win victories on the shop floor, victories against the cops, victories against war, victories where we seize a little more power and then use that power to seize a little more. Day by day, degree by degree.”

May 1, International Workers Day, has its roots in the U.S. labor movement, particularly the struggle for the eight-hour workday. Today, it is observed globally as a day of worker solidarity, even as it remains marginalized in official U.S. politics.

Ultimately, the Dallas May Day protest was about power—who has it, and who doesn’t.

As inequality widens and political institutions increasingly serve the interests of the ruling class, more and more workers are concluding that change will not come from above. Instead, it will come from collective action: strikes, walkouts and mass mobilizations, that make this country ungovernable.

#DallasTX #TX #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

San Jose, CA – On December 14, San Jose Against War gathered dozens of people to commemorate International Human Rights Day. The U.S. has been a primary facilitator of human rights violations, including selling weapons to Israel, bombing fisherpeople off the coast of Venezuela, and a host of sanctions imposed on countries striving for national sovereignty.

Protesters held picket signs reading, “San Jose divest from genocide,” “U.S. hands off Venezuela” and “Stop the deportations.”

Philip Nguyen, co-chair of San Jose Against War, said to the crowd that the struggles are connected and that human rights such as “Food, housing, healthcare, education are a second priority for the ruling class; second only to the profit motive especially through war profiteers!”

Nguyen continued by elevating San Jose Against War’s divestment campaign targeting the city of San Jose saying, “The precedent is there – Hayward and Richmond have divested from Israel! Dublin and Alameda County have already passed an ethical investment policy. Now, it is time for San Jose to pass theirs as well.”

Drusie Kazanova of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization told the crowd, “From Palestine to Venezuela, people are fighting for self-determination and liberation from the chains of imperialism. And here at home, from San Jose, to Los Angeles, to Chicago, to Portland, we are fighting for our liberation from the very same oppressors, the imperialist class!”

Lyla Salinas, member of Community Service Organization San Jose, highlighted Trump’s year full of human rights violations including, but not limited to, deportations, saying that, “Trump continues to push a racist agenda aimed at oppressing immigrants and Chicanos. We say no more!”

Salinas continued, “Trump’s administration has continued his attacks on women, trans and queer people, Black people, students, on workers, on Palestine and now on Venezuela. We must not let this stand!”

Megan Sweet, member of Students for a Democratic Society at San Jose State University addressed the crowd, saying, “The people of Venezuela cannot wait for suggestions or proposals, they need the people from within the belly of the beast to rise up and demand from their government: ‘Hands off Venezuela!’”

Sweet said that SDS at SJSU continues their campaign to demand the school administration disclose their investment portfolio, divest from all corporations that facilitate human rights violations and the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and to cut ties with Lockheed Martin.

The crowd marched up the busy Market Street and along the annual Christmas in the Park installation, chanting to the tune of Jingle Bells, “Palestine, Palestine. Free, free Palestine! From the river to the sea ‘til Palestine is free!”

#SanJoseCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #ImmigrantsRights #CSOSJ #SJAW

Austin, TX – Around 60 Austin students and community members held a noise demonstration outside the J.J. Pickle Federal Building on Monday evening, June 16, in solidarity with the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

The J.J. Pickle building, which has been used as an ICE detention facility, was blocked off by police and some windows had been boarded up. Tensions were high after a week of police brutality and arrests. Protesters still showed up to make their voices heard and demand a stop to the ICE raids and mass deportations being carried out by the Trump administration.

The crowd brought noisemakers, musical instruments and their loud voices to send a clear message to ICE, the police, and Republican lawmakers. They chanted, “Immigrants are here to stay, GOP go away,” and “Say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE!”

Jules Lattimore of Austin Students for a Democratic Society was leading chants throughout the protest. Lattimore said, “We’re here in solidarity with the heroes in LA who are fighting back to protect their community and keep families together. We need to show Trump and Abbott that we plan to keep up the pressure until these deportations stop.”

#AustinTX #TX #ImmigrantsRights #ICE #StudentMovement #SDS

Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression. Orellana has been released from jail and the NAARPR is working to support his defense.

Statement Demanding the Release of Alejandro Orellana

On June 12th, FBI agents arrested Alejandro Orellana, a member of Centro CSO, a branch of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression based in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, for providing aid to the community being tear-gassed. Orellana’s arrest comes the same day Senator Alex Padilla was violently assaulted at a Homeland Security press conference. We condemn Orellana’s arrest as a clear example of racist and political repression. After immense community pressure led by the Centro CSO, Orellana was released the following day! The power of the people are driving ICE back and freeing people like Orellano, and it will be the power of the people that get Orellano’s charges dropped!

From its role in the killing and imprisonment of Black Panthers to its current role targeting activists organizing against racist ICE raids and deportations in predominantly Chicano and Latino neighborhoods, the FBI remains a vicious weapon of repression deployed against the movements of oppressed peoples.

The struggle is sharp in Los Angeles. The repression is intensifying, and the Trump administration is making it clear they have no plans to loosen up. Now is the time to stand in unconditional solidarity with Orellana, the people of Los Angeles, and with all immigrant communities under attack. Anything less than solidarity with Orellana and immigrant and Chicano communities would be a victory for the enemy, the same enemy responsible for the racist policing that kills record numbers every year.

We are entering another major wave of struggle. The only way to not be washed away by it is to take it to the streets and continue working with the broader masses opposing these racist raids and deportations and the Trump agenda. The struggle continues, and NAARPR will do all it can to defend Orellana and those being targeted by the Trump agenda.

Call U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli at 213-894-2400 and tell him to drop the charges! We also encourage all our chapters and affiliates to participate in the Legalization For All’s Week of Action June 14-22, calling for ICE and the National Guard to get out of our communities and for Orellana’s charges to be dropped!

Drop the charges!

ICE out of everywhere!

Community Control of the Police now!

#ImmigrantsRights #LosAngelesCA #CentroCSO #InJusticeSystem #PoliticalRepression #AlejandroOrellana #NAARPR #StopFBI #CSFR #L4A #FBI #ICE

Los Ángeles, CA – On Friday, June 6, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided multiple locations in Los Angeles, triggering rapid response from communities and a spontaneous protest in downtown Los Angeles.

ICE operations carried out coordinated raids throughout the morning and afternoon, including two confirmed Home Depot parking lots and what’s known as LA’s Fashion District downtown. FBI agents were assisting in ICE operations and people were detained without warrants. It is still unconfirmed how many people were detained.

Centro CSO and the community mobilized quickly when the raids were reported and nearly 100 gathered in the Fashion District to protest the operations and defend the workers. FBI agents escalated and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. As a response, an emergency protest was called by community organizations. Within hours, a couple hundred people gathered at the Metropolitan Detention Center to protest the raids and demand “ICE out of LA.”

Centro CSO members turned out to the emergency protest and Gabriel Quiroz Jr. spoke in front of the crowd declaring, “We condemn these attacks on Raza that happened today in Los Angeles. We saw clear collaboration of LAPD with ICE and FBI. We will hold Jim McDonnell, the chief of LAPD, accountable. We have a rapid response network in place with our allies, and we will continue to organize and mobilize when we see ICE activity in our neighborhood of Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles.”

Quiroz Jr led the chant, “When Chicanos are under attack we will stand up and fight back!”

CSO members condemn these attacks and denounce LAPD for protecting and colluding with ICE operations today. There are reports that ICE is staging further raids in LA this weekend.

After a recent sighting of ICE in Boyle Heights, Centro CSO will continue as planned to hold a protest at Mariachi Plaza on Sunday, June 8, at 11 a.m. demanding” Legalization for all” and “ICE out of our barrios.”

#LosAngelesCA #CA #ImmigrantRights #ImmigrantsRights #CentroCSO

Baton Rouge, LA – On Sunday, May 4, Baton Rouge held a May Day rally at the State Capitol building, taking the fight for worker and immigrant rights directly to the seat of the state government. Demonstrators united on the steps of the capitol with signs and banners in hand to voice their support for the working class movement and their opposition to the Trump administration’s attacks.

Protesters chanted, “Trump, hear us loud and clear! Immigrants are welcome here!” and “The workers, united, will never be defeated!”

Speakers from the organizations then spoke to the demonstrators about the fight for workers’ rights during the Trump administration.

Enola Guyer of Students for a Democratic Society at Louisiana State University stated, “In the past 104 days Donald Trump has shown time and time again what we already knew. He does not, and will never, care for the workers and immigrants that are the foundation of this country.”

Guyer concluded by calling for an end to these attacks., saying, “We demand the end of university compliance, student visa revocations, mass deportations, and the protection of our free speech!”

Zane Sutor-Benfield of Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “Solidarity means union power, it means unity with your coworkers, no matter their skin color, gender or immigration status. Solidarity isn’t exclusive to the labor movement. It means unity between all oppressed people, all victims of capitalist exploitation. None of us are free until all of us are free.”

Sutor-Benfield closed by saying, “I’m not going to play down the severity of this moment. These are dangerous times for anyone who isn’t a rich oligarch bleeding this country dry, but I’m not afraid. I’m not afraid because I know that when we fight together, we win together, and now is the time to fight.”

#BatonRougeLA #LA #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay #SDS

Oakland, CA – On the afternoon of Thursday, May 1, more than 2000 community members took to the streets of Oakland in celebration of May Day.

Themes of international working-class solidarity ran through the event, starting with a youth rally in Fruitvale Plaza followed by a march to San Antonio Park where a closing rally and resource fair took place. 25 unions, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits united behind Oakland Sin Fronteras’ call, “All Power to the Workers.”

The multinational crowd voiced strong opposition to state violence and current immigration policies. Uncle Bobby X, uncle of Oscar Grant, a young, Black man murdered by Bay Area Rapid Transit Police in 2009, electrified attendees, declaring, “All power to the people!” and emphasizing, “An attack on immigrants is an attack on all of us.” He spoke to the damaging impact of police violence and fears of increasing ICE activity and deportations, central themes of the day.

Kai Watanabe, a trans organizer with Freedom Road Socialist Organization Oakland, highlighted these concerns: “This year, we've seen the ruling capitalist class qualitatively shift towards open reaction. ICE is silencing students and sending immigrant workers to mega-prisons while basic civil rights are in the crosshairs.”

Echoing this, a childcare provider and leading member of Mujeres Unidas y Activas, spoke of heightened fear under “la nueva administración” (the new administration). She shared, “Mi miedo ha crecido aún más. Ahora trato de no salir de casa por el temor constante a ser detenida y criminalizada simplemente por mi apariencia.” (My fear has grown even more. Now I try not to leave home due to the constant fear of being detained and criminalized simply for my appearance.) She continued, “Nosotros no dejamos nuestros países por gusto. La mayoría de las veces somos forzados a irnos por las consecuencias del capitalismo y el imperialismo.” (We don’t leave our countries by choice. Most of the time we are forced to leave because of the consequences of capitalism and imperialism.)

Visuals along the march underscored these messages. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 10 displayed a prominent banner stating, “No military cargo for Israel's genocidal war against Palestinians.” Another community member held a sign simply reading “No state violence.” Chants of “Free, free Palestine!” and “¡Viva, viva Palestina!” resonated through the streets, further highlighting the event’s international solidarity against oppression and police violence, reinforcing the unified call for worker empowerment.

#OaklandCA #CA #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Santa Ana, CA – Chants of “No hate, no fear! Immigrants are welcome here!” resounded on the afternoon of May 1 as roughly 300 protesters took to the streets of downtown. The march commemorated International Workers Day. Those in the streets lifted handmade monarch butterfly puppets and signs demanding police accountability, justice for immigrants, and protection for workers’ rights. The event program featured speakers who talked about the history of May Day and the oppression of workers.

Rain Mendoza of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC) educated attendees about the Bracero Program, a federal project started in 1942 that brought laborers in from Mexico to exploit them through short-term work contracts. She then spoke about Mexican Repatriation, stating “Mexican nationals and Chicanos, even U.S. citizens, were deported due to an anti-immigrant surge in response to the Great Depression. This program was presented as a way to alleviate economic strains on the working class.”

Mendoza pointed out that the differences between these two programs show that “the bosses and the government get to decide whether immigrants are a welcomed labor force or a scapegoat for economic hardships.”

Mendoza continued, “Trump is attacking our immigrant communities instead of the greedy bosses responsible for our economic problems! And we have to stand up and fight back to protect and expand immigrant rights!”

Another member of Community Service Organization Orange County (CSO OC), Erika Armenta, shared her demands for justice for Noe Rodriguez, her partner who was killed by Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) on December 1, 2024. Armenta stressed that SAPD has failed to be transparent with her attorneys and the public about Noe’s case, stating, “More than 45 days have passed and by law they must publish the entire body-worn camera video.”

Armenta’s demands include “the de-escalation of situations and the end of unarmed civilian deaths. These officers are still free and patrolling our streets while we, the relatives, are devastated, struggling for justice.”

Sandra De Anda of the Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCCRN) asked for support from the community in their campaign to free Mina Soliman, who was illegally taken into custody during a routine ICE check-in on April 29. De Anda explained, “ICE check-ins have been used as an alternative to detention for decades, and are now being weaponized against community members who consistently show up for their scheduled check-ins.” Despite arriving with his lawyer and fellow organizers, Soliman was soon transferred to the Desert View Annex in Adelanto, California. The Trump administration has stepped up attacks against the immigrant community and OCRRN, among many, raised the need for organization to defend the community and expand protections.

Nadia Al-Said of the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) stated,“During the First Intifada, or uprising, Palestinians organized themselves en masse, building an economy through self-sustenance, boycotting Israeli goods, withholding their labor, and rising up against military infrastructure depriving them of their land and dignity.” Through her speech, she highlighted that despite the challenges they have faced, the Palestinian resistance fights bravely on the frontlines and needs the support of people worldwide.

Abe Quintana of Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) spoke about the history of May Day. Quintana told of the Haymarket rally and nationwide strike in 1886 that part in hat the holiday commemorates. “If it was not for workers organizing as a class and striking across the country in 1886, we would not have the eight-hour workday. We must come together now for the sake of our communities and workers around the world.” Quintana invited those who are not yet active to join an organization that speaks to them to take an active role in the liberation of the working class.

Quintana urged for unity stating, “Workers of all nationalities and identities experience hardship thanks to the capitalist system built to benefit the wealthy ruling class and their political puppets. We must recognize that when one group of workers is under attack, we are all under attack!”

Put together by the Orange County May Day Coalition, over a dozen organizations like Palestinian Youth Movement, OC Rapid Response Network, Community Service Organization Orange County, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization took part in planning and inviting the unorganized to take action.

Orange County will continue to fight for the oppressed, the coalition will be returning for next year’s May Day, and those involved call on all workers to unite in the shared struggle for labor. The end of oppression will be achieved with organization.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #ImmigrantsRights #Labor #MayDay #CSOOC #FRSO

On March 14th, Republican U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, along with other Republican co-sponsors, introduced a draconian bill to the House Committee on the Judiciary titled the Stop CCP VISAs Act of 2025, which stands for “Stop Chinese Communist Prying by Vindicating Intellectual Safeguards in Academia Act of 2025.”

If passed, this would block visas for Chinese students who want to study and work in the U.S. Many people have pointed out that this bill is reminiscent of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned Chinese immigration. This is telling as to which time period “Make America Great Again” harkens back to.

While some feel this bill is unlikely to pass due to the economic contribution Chinese students make, we feel it is necessary to strongly oppose this action because it is an indicator of a larger anti-Chinese sentiment that is being promoted inside the United States. Given that both the House and Senate are Republican controlled, and the Democratic Party’s track record of fighting back is nearly non-existent, we believe it is best to speak up now and not leave this up to chance.

The basis for this bill is downright racist. It paints an image of Chinese students as some kind of network of spies, in which every single Chinese person is in on the plot to undermine the U.S. The reality is the U.S. government does not need China’s help to undermine itself, because measures such as this one which are economically and diplomatically self-sabotaging.

This is part of a larger effort to attempt to isolate China. This effort cannot help but backfire, as the U.S. is only isolating itself. We see this with the tariffs, sanctions, and the ongoing trade war against China, which the U.S. workers will have to foot the bill for.

Militarily, China is encircled by the U.S. empire, which continues to prod and antagonize from all directions, especially on the Korean Peninsula over the last few months, and intervention in the Philippines. Looking at the way the U.S. has treated the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea gives a lot of insight into what the U.S. ruling class and the Trump administration would love to do to People’s China if they had the chance.

In addition to being racist and reactionary, this bill is also intensely hypocritical, as we know that the U.S. continues its long tradition of meddling and spying on the politics of other nations, probably more so than any other government on earth. The U.S. has always had a double standard set for itself in the realm of foreign policy.

China, on the other hand, does not bully or attempt to influence the politics of other countries. It does not invade them or fight wars of conquest. China approaches other countries on the basis of mutual cooperation, regardless of how big or small. Much of the world is turning towards China because of this, and many working-class people in the U.S. are beginning to look towards China as the trailblazer of a new way forward.

Hands off Chinese students!

End the war on all immigrants!

Defend Socialist China!

#International #China #FriendsOfSocialistChina #Statement #ImmigrantsRights #Visas

Minneapolis, MN – On Saturday, May 3, the Twin Cities district of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization celebrated the great proletarian holiday of May Day – International Workers Day. The event took place at the Lucy Parsons Center in Minneapolis. The celebration included grilling, live musical performances, and a lineup of speakers from various people’s movements active in the Twin Cities.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., on a beautiful 65-degree sunny day, around 150 attendees joined a cookout while listening to musical performances, that included songs of struggle and resistance. People sat together and ate and talked. Participants int the evert included labor organizers, immigrant rights organizers, student, anti-war, climate and reproductive rights organizers, leaders in the fight against police crimes and for community control of the police along with others. All shared stories of struggle, victories and defeats.

The May Day cookout brought together activists and revolutionaries to celebrate and recognize how all their different struggles are united in the conflict between the billionaire ruling class and the great masses of people.

The last year has seen many battles for the people’s movement. The continued genocide in Gaza, plus the election of Donald Trump unleashing a new wave of reactionary attacks on immigrants, unions, trans people, and more means that those who choose to participate in the people’s struggle and resist these attacks have had their work cut out for them. The cookout and program event created a space for people to unwind, share in solidarity with each other, and celebrate the fighting spirit of the working class.

In addition to an impressive list of speakers from many organizations fighting for change in Minnesota, the attendees honored fallen fighters with an “In Memoriam” dedication video, as well as highlighting internationalism and the worldwide nature of the struggle against monopoly capitalism with a slideshow of May Day celebrations around the world. The energized, excited crowd closed out the event with a sing-along of the communist anthem, The Internationale.

Keeping the unity of all the different people’s movements in mind, the speaker lineup was diverse and varied. Attendees heard from Dieu Do from the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee; Siobhan Moore of Minnesota Workers United and Teamsters Local 638; Angel Smith El of the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice; Carolyn Handke from the Minnesota Abortion Action Committee; Katherine Bodor from the Climate Justice Committee; Ivonne Hernandez movement for justice for street vendors; Becca Mertes, a Delta flight attendant organizing with the Association of Flight Attendants' unionization effort; Leila Yorek Sundin from the University of Minnesota chapter of Students for a Democratic Society; Allison Gunderson from the Anti-War Committee; Jae Yates from the Twin Cities Coalition for Justice and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization; and a musical performance by Naveen Borojerdi on guitar and signing.

Sydney Loving gave the main speech for Freedom Road Socialist Organization. In her speech Loving laid out the history of May Day and the importance of continuing to celebrate this workers’ holiday. The following is a portion of Loving’s speech:

“The ruling class and big business in this country, they hate May Day and did all they could do to bury it during the anticommunist repression of the 1950s. This was the cold war where every progressive idea was under attack. They renamed May 1 as “Law and Order Day.” This day belongs to the people – we know right from wrong better than their version of law and order. Fighting back is right, and this system is wrong. One day in this country we’re gonna have our version of law and order. And the capitalists sitting up there on Wall Street and in the White House – they’re going to be treated like the criminals they are. As always, they were terrified of the people knowing our real history. Not one of submission, but a history of struggle. Not only the eight-hour day, but also the weekend, the right to unionize, health and safety rules, unemployment insurance, welfare and social security. Everything Trump is going after now, making enemies and bringing them into this fight. Victories for workers weren’t just given to us. They were fought for and won by the people, and we are carrying the torch forward.”

The May Day cookout and program marked another year in struggle by some of the Twin Cities area’s most dedicated fighters and left attendees feeling re-energized to take on another year fighting for the people.

#MinneapolisMN #MN #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay #FRSO

Tallahassee, FL – On Thursday, May 1, at 5:30 p.m., around 40 people attended a May Day rally organized by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). The protesters demanded the city of Tallahassee end its attacks on immigrants in the city and denounce the 287(g) agreement with ICE.

These agreements give the police department the power to train their offices to carry out immigration-related tasks as if they were ICE agents. The agreement was put in place by Tallahassee Police Department Chief Lawrence Revell without any input from the people or even other city officials.

Protesters rallied outside the WFSU studio where local city and county commissioners held the 2025 Town Hall. At this event, city and county commissioners were asked about a number of issues people in Tallahassee are interested in. Dozens of questions were submitted on a range of topics including affordable healthcare and bike safety. Attendees of the May Day protest, however, were most interested in how officials would address the 287(g) agreement. As of May 2025, five police departments signed into the agreement in Tallahassee alone, including Florida State University PD.

“If you know FSU and its admin it’s no surprise that they would sign this [287g] agreement. This is an admin that platforms white supremacists, arrests students for speaking out, and does nothing when its student’s visas are revoked,” said Kingsley Early, a member of Students for a Democratic Society. “The problem is getting worse.”

Organizers recognized the revolutionary significance of May Day and its history as an international socialist holiday and discussed the need for a continuation of the fight for the rights of workers and oppressed peoples.

“May Day is an international holiday that should be celebrated, that should be remembered for its significance to the American labor movement,” said Delilah Pierre, president of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee. “If it wasn’t for May Day, the eight-hour work day wouldn’t even exist.”

Due to the persistence of organizations like the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance (TIRA) and FRSO, the issue of the 287(g) agreement in Tallahassee was addressed at the town hall. City Commissioners Dianne Williams-Cox and Curtis Richardson claimed that changing the agreement was out of their control, citing Florida Governor Ron Desantis and the Republican Party as attacking and threatening those who oppose the 287(g) agreement in their own cities.

Organizers from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization made it clear that despite the lip-service from city officials, they would be organizing for May Day next year and would continue the fight to stand up for immigrant rights.

“We’re here honoring the memory of May Day by fighting for workers and immigrant rights in the city of Tallahassee. If we fight, then we win,” said Cas Casanova, a member of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). “We got Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez freed when he was unjustly detained by immigration, and we’ll make sure this city doesn’t allow ICE to terrorize our communities.”

#TallahasseeFL #FL #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay #FRSO

Portland, OR – May Day was a busy one in Portland, as four events were held throughout the day and into the evening. These collectively mobilized thousands of people to resist the Trump agenda and to fight for workers and immigrants’ rights.

The first event of the day was organized by 50501 Portland Oregon, with many other organizations present or even speaking, including Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Portland Contra las Deportaciones (PDXCD), Democratic Socialists of America, and local unions such as Oregon Nurses Association and SEIU Local 503. The rally began at Portland State University at 1 p.m., followed by a march around downtown Portland.

Cass Cano of PDXCD spoke on the injustices of the U.S. immigration system, stating, “The path to obtaining green card status is full of hurdles. Whether it be the legal costs or the chance that any little error will get your case closed and possibly even deported. No one deserves to live like this, where at any moment they may be ripped away from their families and community! No one deserves to live afraid of going to school, work, or shopping, always worrying about their safety.”

The next event in the day was a rally at Pioneer Courthouse Square downtown at 4:30 p.m., organized by 50501 Portland (distinct from the previously mentioned 50501 group) and Indivisible Oregon. The demands of this event included stable housing, union protection and education for all, regardless of immigration status.

The third event of the day and the final one taking place downtown was a rally organized by the Portland Association of Teachers at Terry Schrunk Plaza at 5:30 p.m. Demands centered on the actions of the Trump administration, calling for an end to attacks on oppressed communities, Social Security and Medicaid.

At the same time, FRSO and PDXCD organized a march and rally in Southeast Portland, at Sewallcrest Park. Palestinian liberation, immigrant rights, and the growing labor movement were the main topics addressed. Omar Gil of FRSO galvanized the crowd to act by saying, “We must unite the many to defeat the few. Power is never conceded, it is won,” and later declaring, “Whether it be at the workplace, in the fields, or in our neighborhoods, the time now is not one to hide but rather to stand firmly shoulder to shoulder with each other and fight back!”

After the rally, the crowd took to the streets of Southeast Portland, with expressions of solidarity coming from onlookers and chants of “Who’s got the power? We got the power!” and “Union power on the rise, now’s the time to organize!”

This year’s May Day demonstrations showed increased public anger following the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term, anger that shows no signs of subsiding and that is now being focused towards mobilizing against the system that gave us Trump in the first place.

#PortlandOR #OR #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #PDXCD

New Orleans LA – On May 1, New Orleans buzzed with activity to celebrate International Workers Day. In the morning, nurses at the University Medical Center (UMC) went on strike, with dozens picketing alongside them for hours. And later in the day at 6 p.m. hundreds gathered for a march to fight for immigrants and workers’ rights.

UMC nurses go on strike to kick off May Day

On their third strike, UMC nurses demanded the hospital sit down with them for contract negotiations. Hundreds of nurses refused to work on May Day and dozens of community members joined them. Spirits were high as people danced on the picket line, chanting “Union busting is disgusting” with signs that read, “Contract now!”

A member of the contract negotiation team, Lauren Waddell, gave a speech saying, “We are done taking the hit while executives cash bonuses!”

Nurses emphasized the importance of striking on International Workers Day, with Terry Mogilles saying, “It is fitting that we have chosen to gather this historic day. Our industries and jobs may differ, but our battles are the same, our enemies the same: corporate greed!” After a fiery first day on the strike line, nurses and supporters later joined the march downtown.

Hundreds march for immigrant and workers’ rights

At 6 p.m. downtown, around 400 people gathered at the Benito Juarez statue for the start of the International Workers Day march. The march was called by Union Migrante, an immigrant rights organization, and led by a broad coalition of community organizations and unions.

A representative of Union Migrante spoke at the statue saying, “As long as the world exists, there’s always going to be work to be done, and there’s always going to be people who come here to do the jobs that other people don’t want to do.”

Terry Mogilles, a nurse fresh off the picket line, emphasized that nurses in their union will continue to treat people regardless of documents, and the crowd chanted “UMC you can't hide, we can see your greedy side!”

A member of Unite Here, a union representing hospitality workers, stated, “We are calling on the city of New Orleans to continue their policy of not collaborating with ICE. We have to stay vigilant, because if they will come for them then they will come for any communities that don't align with them.”

Jack Saucier from the Freedom Road Socialist Organization said, “Donald Trump didn't work to build the economy, you work to build the economy! This system is rigged and it's not for us. If we want to win, we must unite.”

The march then took to the streets with banners reading “Halt all deportations” and “Stop attacks on workers’ rights!” They chanted “No fear, no hate, no ICE in our state!” The protesters made a stop at the police headquarters downtown to make it clear that New Orleans police should continue their non-collaboration policy with ICE. Then they continued onward and concluded at City Hall.

The coalition for the International Workers Day march included unions such as the United Teachers of New Orleans, Unite Here, National Nurses United, and the Painters Union. Community groups such as Students for a Democratic Society, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Step Up Louisiana, New Orleans for Community Oversight of Police and the Palestinian Youth Movement were also featured.

#NewOrleansLA #LA #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay

Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, May 1, hundreds gathered in Freedom Plaza near the White House in celebration of May Day, International Workers Day. The event, hosted by Metro DC DSA and sponsored by Freedom Road Socialist Organization DC (FRSO DC), among others, called for “dignity, power, and a future for the many.”

The crowd included many organizations and contingents, such as the anti-Imperialist contingent formed by FRSO DC, the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (DCAARPR), International League of Peoples Struggles Baltimore DMV (ILPS), Anakbayan DC, Anakbayan Montgomery County, and Migrante DMV. Their signs featured slogans such as “End U.S. militarization now!” “Fight for worker’s and immigrants’ rights!” and “Down with billionaires, we need socialism!”

“The people here today show the clear rising tide of workers who want a better future,” said Iain McNeely of FRSO DC, “When we fight, we win, and every day more and more people are answering the call and getting organized.”

The demonstration featured speakers voicing strong opposition to the Trump administration and his racist deportation policies, with chants of “The people, united, will never be defeated!” and “When immigrant rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

“The Philippians observe May Day as the real international workers day ” said Jhong Cruz, an organizer with Migrante, “we are fighting for a better society overall, with the working class at the core, and we want to fight for a society where many Filipinos like myself don't need to migrate to other countries in search of work.”

“There’s a willingness among people to explore more ideas that people maybe would not have thought of before because of the gross atrocities we are witnessing every day now,” said Christina Murdoch with DCAARPR, “We are unwilling to submit to pressure, and our instinct to seize this wave of struggle is necessary to take our movement forward towards a better future!”

#WashingtonDC #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MayDay #FRSO #DCAARPR #NAARPR #ILPS #Anakbayan

St. Paul, MN — Over 7000 people took to the streets from the Minnesota State Capitol, May 1, to commemorate International Workers Day 2025. Attendees of the protest rallied and marched for over three hours in rainy weather to demand an end to attacks on immigrants and workers, to fight Trump’s billionaire agenda, and for legalization for all.

The event was organized by a coalition made up of the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC), Minnesota Workers United (MWU), Minnesota Immigrant Movement (MIM), and Asamblea de Derechos Civiles (Asamblea). It was endorsed by over 50 local community organizations and unions, including the Minnesota AFL-CIO, Minneapolis Federation of Educators, SEIU local 26, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Indigenous Protectors Movement, Minnesota 8, and MN Anti-War Committee.

Beto Villanueva of MIRAC stated, “Immigrants are essential. We contribute to the economy. We help keep this country alive. And we’ve been doing it while being targeted more and paid less – while being disrespected and undervalued. The systems are built to divide us. They want workers to blame immigrants. They want to pit trans people and women against each other. They want poor folks to fight poorer folks. It’s all a game to divide us. But we see through that. We stand together.”

Sara Nelson, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants CWA, AFL-CIO spoke to the long fight for workers’ rights. She said, “100 years ago workers didn’t have legal rights, they organized and built them through solidarity.” She also stated that we must stand together, “No one is born with racism, sexism or bigotry in their heart. These are the tactics from the boss to keep us from exercising our power and gaining our fair share.”

Rachel Dionne-Thunder of the Indigenous Protector Movement grounded protesters by saying, “Today is a reminder of the power of the people. These borders crossed us, we did not cross these borders. This country is built on an illusion of power, but the true power is with the people. Now is the time to say enough is enough!”

Marcia Howard of the Minnesota Federation of Teachers Local 59 spoke in strong support of immigrant students and colleagues. She urged listeners to stand up in solidarity, saying: “I need you to think about your neighbor. The immigrants we are talking about are your neighbors. They are your coworkers. They are your students’ classmates. I need you to pick a side and if you’re standing here, you better not be on the side of any billionaire.”

During the rainy march, the crowd was energized by a group of young people. The middle schoolers, who organized a walkout at their school, led chants like “No one is illegal, all power to the people!”

At a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric is rampant, the people of Minnesota stood up to send a clear message that they stand united in solidarity with workers and immigrants across the country.

#StPaulMN #MN #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #MIRAC #AFACWA #MWU #MIM #Asamblea #MFE #SEIU

Chicago IL – Over 35,000 immigrants and their supporters filled the streets of Chicago on May 1, demanding an end to Trump’s attacks on immigrants and workers.

Led by the Consejo de Resistencia en Defensa del Inmigrante, the mass rally brought together over 150 organizations, mostly composed of Latino, Arab and Palestinian, Filipino and Korean immigrants and their supporters.

Consejo inherited the legacy of the March 10th Movement of 2006. That year, Chicago staged the first mega march in the country, with 300,000 marchers against the racist Sensenbrenner Bill, which would have made it a felony to be undocumented.

Of the four founding leaders of Consejo – Omar Lopez, Jorge Mujica, Martin Unzueta and Hector Rico – the first two were co-chairs of the March 10th Movement. A new generation of organizers joined them in organizing this march, including Vicky Lugo, Maria Bahena, Margarita Morelos and Jill Manrique, to name some of the most prominent.

Speaking as a member of Students for a Democratic Society – UIC, Ariana Vega stated, “Our schools should be sanctuaries – places where students can learn, grow and build better futures. That’s what we’re fighting for. That’s why we’re here today. In the face of Trump’s racist and reactionary administration, we must stand stronger than ever. We must build a movement that refuses to back down. We are not going back – and if we stand united, no one can stop us!”

Displaying the Black and brown coalition that exists in Chicago, speakers included Frank Chapman, executive director of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression; Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates; Service Employees International Union President April Verret, and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has been targeted by the Trump administration for his continued defense of Chicago’s Welcoming City ordinance.

Nerissa Allegreti, president of the National Alliance of Filipino Concerns, blasted the U.S. empire for its colonization of the Philippines, along with Puerto Rico and Cuba, in the early 1900s, making itself the common enemy of all immigrant working-class communities. Allegreti stated, “We will organize like all the other immigrant communities, we will organize and keep on fighting.”

Kobi Guillory, a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Chicago Teachers’ Union, gave a powerful closing speech on the strength of the masses, recalling countless victories of the organized people against their oppressors. He noted that May Day this year is seeing protests in over 700 cities – the largest number in modern U.S. history.

Explaining that Black resistance was stronger than slaveholders and segregationists, the movement for the eight-hour workday was stronger than the bosses, and the George Floyd Rebellion was stronger than Donald Trump, Guillory said, “Whether it’s five people or 5 million, when we come together in our numbers, when we come together in our solidarity, when we stand up and fight back, we are stronger than the people in power.”

#ChicagoIL #IL #Labor #ImmigrantsRights #Consejo #NAFCON #CTU #FRSO #MayDay #Feature