Thousands Call For Social Justice As May Day Marches Take Over Downtown LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police were on a citywide tactical alert Friday as annual May Day demonstrations got underway in Los Angeles Friday.
The move allows re-deployment of resources as needed as community leaders, elected officials and families take to the streets to support rights for workers and immigrants, according to LAPD Officer Sara Faden.
Rallies began around 3 p.m., with activists marching in various groups toward Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. State Senator Kevin de León was among those participating.
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Demonstrators are pushing for an increase in minimum wage to $15 an hour, fair law enforcement practices and the implementation of Pres. Barack Obama's executive orders on immigration.
"Our economy grows when we integrate immigrants, when we bring them out from the shadows and into the fabric of our society," de León said.
The Full Rights March, which will be themed "On My Day, No Justice Delayed", was scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Avenue and Broadway. Participants indicated marching would continue east on Cesar Chavez, south on Main Street, east on Aliso Street, south of Alameda Street then west on Temple Street and end at Grand Park at Broadway and First Street.
Participants in the International Workers March began at Olympic Boulevard and Broadway, then planned to March north on Broadway also to Grand Park.
"So we're going to be here on the streets by the thousands to remind the Congress that more than the political game – this is about human lives," Juan Gutierrez added earlier in the day. "We're determined to continue on this political marathon until we cross the finish line."
By late Friday evening, about a half-dozen rallies had taken place in the area, with an evening gathering held across from City Hall.
"We are not criminals, we are people and we are part of this community. We are the new face of American," Laura Padilla said.
Street closures were planned throughout the area to accommodate the massive crowds. Event details from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation here.
Police urged motorists to avoid the area.
No arrests were reported.
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