PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Each May 1 around the world, workers march and protest for better pay and conditions. Over the years it has grown into an all-encompassing, full-throated political protest.
In Portland and in Salem, thousands of people gathered to make their views known and voices heard. A rally in Salem began at 11 a.m. that included remarks from Gov. Kate Brown.
The Portland Police Bureau said at the end of the day that no arrests were made and that no officers had to use force at any of the events.
May Day in Portland
Portland, which has been a hotbed of May Day protests for at least 20 years, got underway around 1 p.m. when immigration activists gathered along the South Waterfront for a rally and a march to the ICE facility.
Within minutes, Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson and the other protesters faced off very briefly. Someone took Gibson’s hat off of his head and some words were exchanged before the protesters with Occupy ICE PDX went on with their rally at Elizabeth Caruthers Park.
As speakers used a microphone to address the crowd to “oppose the inhumane detention of the migrant community, separation of families and to #BlockTheWall.” Portland police on bicycles arrived to keep an eye on things.
Watch: May Day rallies in Portland (Warning: Graphic Language)
One of those at the rally along the South Waterfront was a 15-year-old girl, who said she decided to attend for personal reasons.
Her parents, she said, “are vulnerable because of their status.” She said she wonders every morning when she leaves her home if she’ll see her parents again, that “we’ll be torn apart.”
“If we don’t fix (immigration) now it will impact our future,” she said.
Using familiar chants of “abolish ICE,” “no cops, no KKK, no fascist USA” and “the people united will never be divided,” the group began marching around 2 p.m. to the ICE facility.
The marchers walked in the streets, drawing loudspeaker warnings from Portland police officers who threatened to arrest anyone who interfered with a police officer.
Watch: May Day protesters march through streets to the ICE facility
When the protesters arrived at the ICE facility, Homeland Security officers in full gear blocked entrance to the building. The protesters, instead, blocked the street. But after about an hour of protest, chants and remarks, they headed away from the South Waterfront.
The ICE facility is where the ICE protest and camp took over the street for 5 weeks last June. But federal officers were prepared to not let that happen again.
There were no physical clashes but demonstrators did block the streets.
The Portland May Day Coalition said it planned to gather for a “festival of resistance” at Northeast Holladay Street and Northeast 11th Avenue from 4 to 6 p.m.
Several booths were set up in the park to support a variety of causes.
A separate protest in downtown Portland was expected to last until 6 p.m., according to the Portland Police Bureau.
Officials said they didn’t know of any planned street marches but that drivers should still watch out for any people or groups who take to the streets.
They said those who participate in the demonstrations should not bring weapons or any items that could be used as weapons.
Chief Danielle Outlaw remarked at the end of Wednesday that the day was “successful” in that no arrests were made and no officers had to use force.
“We asked participants to peacefully and safely demonstrate and they did,” said Outlaw. “Those involved demonstrated the ability to exercise their rights in a peaceful manner, which we appreciate.
Rules and laws for parks
Prohibition of weapons in parks
Federal property and facilities — Rules and laws
Federal property — Rules and laws for visitors
May Day in Salem
Thousands in Salem gathered at the State Capitol to draw attention to workers rights and immigrant rights.
The crowd led by Causa Oregon rallied in an effort to send a message to state lawmakers who were inside. Among the biggest issues for the immigrant rights group is driver licenses for all Oregonians, regardless of their legal status.
The march slowly wound around the Capitol Wednesday. Several streets were blocked off in the process.
Watch: Demonstrators rally at Oregon Capitol
“In other communities where public transit isn’t widely available, licenses are an absolute necessity to get to work, take their kids to school, and go to the doctor,” said Ivan Hernandez with Causa Oregon.
A bill currently in the Joint Committee on Transportation would allow Oregonians to get a driver license regardless of their immigration status. The issue has previously gone before voters, who turned down a similar measure in 2014.
The demonstration was peaceful and ralliers who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they wanted their voices heard.
Governor Kate Brown spoke to the crowd, offering encouragement to immigrant workers.
“You are our neighbors, our friends and our local business owners,” Brown told the crowd. “Let’s work together to pass paid family leave and safe workplace environments. Let’s work together to promote safety by ensuring access to drivers licenses.”