May Day protesters in Seattle rally over immigration, workers' rights
Seattle May Day protests aimed at immigration, workers' rights
Thousands of workers and activists rallied in Seattle—and across the globe—on Thursday for May Day protests.
SEATTLE - Thousands of workers and activists rallied in Seattle—and across the globe—on Thursday for May Day protests. Much of their message focuses on pushing back against President Donald Trump’s policies targeting immigrants, federal workers, and diversity programs.
The backstory:
May Day, which falls on May 1, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, marks the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement around the world. Thousands of people are expected to attend rallies and demonstrations calling for stronger protections for workers, higher wages, greater equality and more.
The day often draws activists from various groups pushing for systemic change on issues such as workers' rights, immigration, social justice and global solidarity.
Local perspective:
Seattle has in the past seen large permitted marches by people fighting for workers' rights. But there have also been unpermitted demonstrations that resulted in police declaring "riots" and making arrests.
Stay on this page and refresh it for live updates on May Day in downtown Seattle.
May Day protesters march near the Federal Building. (SDOT)
4:20 p.m.: March reaches Federal Building
The march has slowed on Second Ave between Marion and Madison, right in front of the Federal Building — which is where Seattle's IRS, Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Department of Education offices are.
May Day protests head into downtown Seattle.
2:48 p.m.: Protesters moving downtown
According to traffic officials, the protest is moving across the Pine Street overpass over I-5, heading into downtown Seattle.
2:11 p.m.: Protesters march through Capitol Hill
Demonstrations wrapped up at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, and protesters are now taking to the streets. A group marched to Seattle Central College and met with students and staff who staged a walkout.
Traffic officials urge drivers to find alternate routes through the area.
1:15 p.m. FOX 13 speaks with protesters at Cal Anderson Park
Sisters Alison (left) and Jennifer Cockrill (right) speak with FOX 13 Seattle during the May Day rallies at Cal Anderson Park.
Sisters Jennifer and Alison Cockrill spoke with FOX 13 about why they chose to participate in the May Day rallies at Cal Anderson Park.
"I think we need to impeach and remove the president," said Jennifer. "I know the May Day rally is focused on immigration and unions and those important political topics too. I just want to be wherever they’re fighting against the current regime."
Jennifer, who traveled from Snohomish, explained the value of this protest.
"As long as the rest of the world can see that we are standing out here and saying that what's happening is not right, that's enough – hopefully," she said.
Her sister Alison had lived in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood for around three decades. She described feeling overwhelmed when she first saw the protesters and joined in – but in a good way.
"I am inspired," said Alison. "It's a really hard time to be hopeful. It just seems like an avalanche of things that one person can't do anything about, and even half of the country can't do anything about. Since you can't do something as one person, you have to find other people."
"Deep down, I believe that people want goodness for each other, and they want peace and they want happiness and they want justice," she said.
12:30 p.m.: May Day demonstration begins on Seattle's Capitol Hill
Demonstrators have congregated at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Speakers are calling for solidarity and workers' rights, and signs read "Stop the Coup, Abolish ICE, Return the Disappeared," "Solidarity Forever" and "Fight Back!" Other demonstrators are holding a large net emblazoned with the words "FREE KILMAR" — a call to free Kilmar Abrego García, who was illegally deported to El Salvador and imprisoned without trial.
Seattle superhero ‘Red Ranger’ was seen patrolling the park.
7:30 a.m.: Multiple May Day Protests planned for Thursday
Faculty and staff from Seattle colleges have planned walkouts and rallies for May Day.
Seattle colleges' union workers to walk out
Unionized employees from Seattle colleges will walk off the job on Thursday, May 1.
The action is in response to planned district-wide position cuts and furloughs.
FOX 13 has listed several events happening on Thursday, May 1.
This is a developing story, and will be updated throughout the day.
The Source: Information in this story came from The Associated Press and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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