May Day saw thousands of people across dozens of states pack streets and squares in support of immigrant families and workers, with others closing down their businesses in a recognition of the vital contributions immigrants make to the American economy. In San Francisco, “more than 100 protesters gathered at the [ICE] building — chaining themselves to the doors and lying on the street — demanding an end to the county’s corroboration with” the agency. In Austin, immigrants and allies staged a sit-in in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office over Senate Bill 4, an anti-immigrant “show me your papers” piece of legislation recently approved by the Texas House.
"The Trump administration is trying to divide us,” said Jorge-Mario Cabrera of the immigrant rights group CHIRLA. “Everyday they are issuing new directives, new statements that are viciously anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican, and anti-Latino. We are saying that is not going to be acceptable,” he said. "We are honoring the contributions of workers and immigrants but we are also sending a very strong message of unity. We will not be divided, we will not be separated in a country that is also ours."
Take a look below for a sampling of the nationwide efforts.
"No one should remain in the shadows when they are being attacked,” continued Cabrera. “The community is ready to resist the attacks they experience everyday with this administration and Congress. We're putting them on notice that we will be acting to defend our families and our future."