May Day marches call for improved conditions for workers, rights for immigrants

LOS ANGELES, CA (CNS) - Thousands of immigrants, union members, workers and supporters thronged downtown Los Angeles for annual May Day marches calling for improved conditions for workers and full rights for immigrants.

The first of two marches -- this one organized by the May Day Coalition of Los Angeles gathered at 11th and Figueroa streets, then marched east on 11th Street and north on Los Angeles Street, ending with a rally on Aliso Street northeast of the Civic Center area.

A Los Angeles Fire Department commander could be heard radioing that upwards of 2,000 participants were converging on the area.

A crowd estimate was not available from Los Angeles police, but as of 3 p.m., the events were peaceful and no arrests were made, according to Officer Rosario Herrera.

After the first march reached the Civic Center area, a group stood at the intersection of First Street and Broadway with a giant effigy of Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump holding a Ku Klux Klan mask.

The Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition also planned a march and rally, themed "Build Bridges Not Walls," with participants gathering at Broadway and Olympic Boulevard then heading north on Broadway and Spring Street, ending with a rally at Grand Park in the Civic Center area.

Motorists were being advised to avoid the area if at all possible.

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