Thousands of people are expected to take part Thursday in the annual May Day march for immigrant and worker rights in downtown Los Angeles.
A broad coalition, which includes community advocates, labor, economic justice and immigrant rights organizations, will focus their demonstrations on safety and improved wages for workers, but will also call for an end to deportations that divide families.
Traditionally, May Day has been a day of protest for the labor movement. In 2006, after the passing of the Illegal Immigration Control Act, May Day was celebrated largely around the issue of immigration reform.
The May Day Coalition this year will begin its demonstrations at 10 a.m. at the Dragon Gates of Chinatown at the intersection of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and North Broadway and end at the Metropolitan Detention Center (on Alameda & Aliso).
Los Angeles Police urge the public to avoid the area as a series of marches will cause multiple street closures.
