Immigrant and union groups in New York City are gathering in a few parks ahead of a May Day march planned for Monday evening.
They're among the tens of thousands of people rallying in cities across the U.S. not just for workers' rights, but in protest of President Trump's immigration policies. Larger crowds are expected to return this year as immigrant groups have joined with Muslim organizations, women's advocates and others in their united opposition to Trump administration policies.
In Washington Square Park, at least 200 people were protesting Monday afternoon. The crowd listened to various speakers and performers who are focused on workers and immigrants. They're carrying signs that say, "No person is illegal" and "We won't tolerate Trump's fascist policies."
Mahoma Lopez, who arrived from Mexico 20 years ago, said he's fighting for the rights of other immigrants, many of whom are worried about Trump's policies.
"As an immigrant, every single day of your life is a struggle because you have to fight with different natures," he said. "We are here to fight to demonstrate we are visible, we contribute to the economy, to this country."
More than a dozen demonstrators were arrested outside JPMorgan Chase on Park Avenue early Monday morning, but the rallies at Bryant Park, Union Square Park and Washington Square Park throughout the day were peaceful.
A rally called "Rise Up: Immigrant Rights and Workers' Rights" will be held at Foley Square in Lower Manhattan at 5 p.m. Speakers will include union leaders, activists, and elected officials, including Public Advocate Leticia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer and Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito.
Organizer Michael Bellamy told News 4 that historically May Day has been about "making sure that people who are actually producing the things that we need to live are getting what they deserve for the work that they do."
"But as history has progressed, May Day has become more and more about other struggles, and linking those struggles with the workers' struggles as well," he said.
