Marches Across Michigan Commemorate International Workers’ Day
On May 1st, people in Michigan took to the streets to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. Organized by Movimiento Cosecha, the Grand Rapids march highlighted the struggles of immigrant workers and families in the face of enforcement actions by the Trump administration.
Gema Lowe, one of the organizers of the Grand Rapids march, emphasized the vital but often overlooked contributions of immigrant workers, stating, “We are doing the jobs that nobody wants in this country, but we are not being uplifted.” Lowe pointed out the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests on local families, with many individuals being held at the North Lake Processing Center.
Recent rulings by federal judges have shed light on the unlawful detention of hundreds of immigrants at the North Lake Processing Center, violating their due process rights. Lowe warned of the dangers of remaining complacent in the face of such injustices, stating, “If people doesn’t resist and doesn’t realize this is what’s happening, it’s very dangerous for the country and for democracy.”
In Detroit, a separate march was organized with the theme “workers over billionaires” to underscore the importance of prioritizing the well-being of workers. Both marches aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by immigrant workers and the need for solidarity in advocating for their rights.
