Thousands of demonstrators blew horns and shook cowbells as they held signs that read \u201cWorkers before billionaires\u201d and \u201cJustice for workers,\u201d while calling for an end to corporate greed, the war in Iran and immigration sweeps. The crowd\u2019s chants included \u201cNo justice, no peace\u201d and \u201cThis is what democracy looks like.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though mostly peaceful, demonstrators in L.A. at times found themselves facing off with the Los Angeles Police Department. Police made a dozen arrests, mostly for unlawful assembly, but there were no reports of major injuries, said Los Angeles Police Department public affairs officer Jeff Lee. <\/p>\n
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Lawrence Herrera of El Monte, dressed in 1776 attire, confronts Los Angeles police officers after they formed a skirmish line on Temple Street at Spring Street.<\/p>\n
(Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n
U.S. recognition of International Workers\u2019 Day, also called May Day, originated <\/a>as labor rights movements fought for economic fairness by pushing for better pay and working conditions. <\/p>\n The first U.S. rally was held in Chicago in the 1880s when workers were pushing for an eight-hour work day. Though not on an official government holiday, crowds have since gathered around the country on the first of May to honor the achievements and struggles of the working class.<\/p>\n In Los Angeles, past demonstrations have drawn hundreds of thousands of people who voiced their support for immigrant workers amid controversial enforcement policies.<\/p>\n Thousands of workers and activists march toward downtown Los Angeles on Friday in recognition of May Day. <\/p>\n (Genaro Molina\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n Friday\u2019s rally marked the 20th anniversary of \u201cDay Without Immigrants,\u201d<\/a> which served as a general boycott in which more than 400,000 people participated to showcase their economic power in the U.S. and voice their opposition to a proposed immigration bill that would have made aiding undocumented immigrants a felony. <\/p>\n That 2006 demonstration happened two months after more than half a million people<\/a> demonstrated in downtown L.A. against the same bill. <\/p>\n Much like the demonstrations two decades ago, organizers on Friday also called for a general boycott \u2014 no school, no work, no shopping \u2014 in an effort to demand that the country put workers above billionaires by taxing the rich.<\/p>\n In a statement released ahead of the rally, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) had called on Angelenos to join in the march especially at a time when \u201cgas prices are nearing $7 a gallon and meaningful immigration reform has stalled from both parties.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cOur broken immigration system is at the core of many of our political and economic challenges \u2014impacting working families and everyday costs, regardless of political affiliation,\u201d said Anglica Salas, executive director of CHIRLA. \u201cIn addition to our ongoing fight for workers\u2019 justice and dignity, May Day is a celebration of unity and resilience \u2014 let it be a call to action. Because when we organize, when we mobilize, when we stand shoulder to shoulder, we are unstoppable and we can shut it down for justice and love.\u201d<\/p>\n A large puppet made by the East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice representing \u201cFree the land, Free the water and Free the people\u201d arrives at the May Day demonstration near City Hall.<\/p>\n (Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n The demonstration also touched on various issues that Americans have been facing including the rising cost of food and gas due in part to tariffs<\/a>, the war in Iran <\/a>and immigration sweeps that experts have said contributed to a shortage of agricultural workers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Police in San Francisco made arrests after demonstrators temporarily blocked a roadway at the international airport.<\/p>\n Videos shared on social media show demonstrators standing outside the airport\u2019s international terminal chanting and banging drums before San Francisco police officers began making arrests.<\/p>\n Demonstrators, including airport union workers, gathered at the airport demanding better wages and healthcare benefits. Immigrant rights advocates joined in the demonstration to decry the presence of ICE at airports.<\/p>\n San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, who is running for Congress, was among those arrested.<\/p>\n \u201cOur workers deserve fair pay, fair contracts, and healthcare and benefits,\u201d she told protesters before her arrest<\/a>. \u201cAnd we are demanding that our workers get those benefits and fair pay right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Also taken into custody were San Francisco Board President Rafael Mandelman and state Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), whose district includes parts of San Francisco.<\/p>\n Videos shared on social media showed two of the arrests<\/a>. Becker confirmed his arrest with local news outlets.<\/p>\n![\"thousands](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1777756167_808_.jpeg\")
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