“I came to support my people, because ICE is beating and grabbing them,” the woman said, at the site where former Border Patrol agent Greg Bovino led aggressive and highly publicized immigration raids in Los Angeles, including a notable operation carried out on July 7, 2025, in MacArthur Park. There, Bovino led the federal offensive against immigration and employed paramilitary tactics such as horse patrols, armored vehicles, and rapid-response tactics—described by experts as state-level policing—that sparked local outrage and conflict with local authorities over the cruelty and mistreatment of immigrants. Bovino was fired after the murders of Nicole Wood and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. “Last summer, Trump sent armored vehicles into this community, into the lives of day laborers and street vendors.” “They thought that would silence us, but since then, every day we say: we are here, and no, we are not leaving,” State Senator Maria Elena Durazo rallied in her impassioned speech. She recalled that May Day began in Chicago in 1886 with immigrant workers who went on strike for the eight-hour workday and were violently repressed, but they still organized. "We are here for every immigrant. We are here for every worker. No more deportations, no more violence. We are here for every farmworker, garment worker, construction worker, academic, domestic worker, healthcare worker, and truck driver," Durazo said. The Democratic senator has proposed legislation to reverse the Medi-Cal cuts and reinstate eligibility for all California residents, regardless of citizenship. “We demand healthcare for all.” “Not just for some,” he declared. “Neither Trump nor the millionaires will stop us, because they should know that when they attack one, they attack all…today we march and tomorrow we vote.”

Arrested in New York

From New York to Chicago; from Los Angeles to Seattle and Washington, DC,and from Madison, Wisconsin, and Raleigh, North Carolina, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, the demonstrations on the “no school, no work, no shopping” day and an economic shutdown in the United States were complemented by street protests.

As part of the 3,500 “May Day Strong” events, protesters from the Sunrise Movement—led mostly by young people—chained themselves to the entrance of the New York Stock Exchange. Approximately one hundred people joined them before being arrested and removed.

They chanted the slogan: “Tax the rich!”

Their petition is similar to efforts in California, where there is a proposal for a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of the state's billionaires.

Proponents of the measure, called the "Billionaires Tax Act of 2026," have gathered enough signatures to qualify it for the November 3rd ballot. It would primarily affect some 200 to 255 families whose net worth exceeds $1 billion.

'Legalization for all'

Near MacArthur Park, an early morning rally began at 5:00 am, where members of the Los Angeles May Day Coalition—a network of more than 125 organizations and groups—motivated and invited Angeleno residents to join the massive May Day or International Workers' Day mobilization.

“We just “We signed a contract with Kaiser Permanente, but we want more nurses,” said Erika Tapia, a registered nurse. “We don't want management to see patients as numbers, but as people who deserve professional medical care.” The Labor Day commemoration coincided with a reality affecting the economy of all Americans, as the price of gasoline neared $7.00 per gallon, and immigration reform remained stalled for 40 years due to inaction by both the Democratic and Republican parties. “We demand legalization for all, with a direct path to citizenship,” said Martha Garcia, 65, originally from Mexico City, who attended the march in her wheelchair. “We don't want any more tricks like they did with the Dream Act or TPS.”

'We are unstoppable'

“Our broken immigration system is at the heart of many of our political and economic challenges, impacting working families and the cost of living, regardless of their political affiliation,” said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).

“In addition to our ongoing fight for workers' justice and dignity, May Day is more than a celebration of unity and resilience: it has been a call to action. Because when we organize, when we mobilize, when we stand shoulder to shoulder, we are unstoppable and we can stop everything in the name of justice and love.”

The two-mile march, from the intersection of Park View and Wilshire Boulevard to Gloria Molina Park in the heart of Los Angeles, highlighted the struggles of workers demanding better wages,better healthcare, and taxes on the wealthiest.

'Democracy Can Never Be Bought': Xavier Becerra

Before the start of the May Day march, Xavier Becerra, the Latino candidate for the California gubernatorial primary, appeared at MacArthur Park.

“This day is special because every year we honor those who work; we should give workers 365 days a year,” he said. “This is a day I can celebrate and honor my parents and celebrate all those who work so hard these days, and we remember that without the working people, a country accomplishes nothing.”

Especially when immigrants are under attack?

“Without a doubt. We know very well that immigrants work harder than anyone else, and what we need is to recognize them as part of that workers' movement that always builds a country.”

What is the biggest promise Javier Becerra can make to all Californians, and especially to the immigrant community?

“To work for those who work every day.”

Can the governorship of California be bought with money?

“If I have anything to do with it, democracy will never be bought. The office of governor will never be bought because we need a governor who represents the people.”

It already happened to Meg Whitman, who lost. And it also happened to Rick Caruso. Do you think that will happen to Tom Steyer?

“If the people turn out [to vote]. What happens is that the people win, and Xavier Becerra will be the next governor.”

What affects families the most: the economy, Immigration?

According to a new Gudelunas Strategies poll conducted on Thursday, April 30, and sponsored by the organization “California is Not For Sale,” Democrat Xavier Becerra has taken a slight lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the race for governor of California, ahead of the June 2 primaries.

Becerra, a 68-year-old Latino lawyer and politician, has the support of 24% of likely voters, while Hilton follows closely behind with 23%. Billionaire Tom Steyer and Republican Chad Bianco follow with 15% and 13%, respectively.