LOS ANGELES - May 1, 2010 - The air was electrified by a presence not felt since the Gran Marcha of 2006. Tens of thousands marched through downtown Los Angeles in solidarity with Arizona's victims of a new law that effectively legalizes racial profiling. The new Arizona law has been denounced by President Obama, DHS Head Janet Nopalitano, the Mayor of Phoenix, the Sheriff of Pima County (Arizona), and even some Republicans who see it as draconian legislation.
Many of the protest signs carried bold statements calling the Arizona law "racist" and "Nazi"-like. There was a sense of urgency in their voices, demanding to "Boycott Arizona" and overturn Arizona's SB 1070 law on the grounds that it was racially discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Demonstrations were held nationwide and cities throughout the nation are reporting sizable turnouts. The large downtown march was not the only protest in the Southern California area: Santa Ana, San Bernardino and Temecula are also reporting large protests.
From the newswire: Los Angeles Marches Against Racist Arizona Law (PHOTOS) by Manuel Alderete | | ¡Reforma Sí! ¡Migra No! Inland Empire stands with Arizona by Rockero | | Video: May Day 2010, San Bernardino | | Primero de Mayo Temecula by Rockero | | May Day March in Downtown Santa Ana Attracts an Estimated 1,000 People by Duane Roberts | | May 1st march for SB 1070 by TheCyman
Photos: Los Angeles May Day Protests, set 1 of 3 | Set 2 | Set 3 by Robert Stuart Lowden |
Los Angeles 2010 May Day by Marcus | May Day LA (10 of 10) by SCHA-LA
NEW VIDEO: Los Angeles May Day Protest March by Bill Sparkes
Los Angeles Celebrates May Day - Communities and Labor Organize to fight back. Racist Arizona Law Galvanizes Resistance