May Day protesters march to Fresno ICE facility to oppose immigration policies

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Demonstrators marked International Workers' Day in Fresno this year by marching from City Hall to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, taking a public stand against current immigration policies and in solidarity with undocumented workers in the United States.

Dozens of protesters gathered in downtown Fresno as part of the annual May 1 observance, an event organizers said began as a grassroots effort 20 years ago.

Chants echoed through the streets as participants, representing labor groups, faith-based organizations and community advocates, moved together with a shared message of worker rights.

"20 years or my daughters have grown in this movement where my family has been part of it," organizer Cristina Gutierrez said.

International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, is tied nationwide to the labor movement's push for worker protections, including access to jobs, fair wages and safe working conditions.

Speakers and marchers highlighted the diversity of the Central Valley workforce and the multigenerational nature of the movement.

"There are families, grandparents organizers, standing side-by-side on this May 1 all of them representing diverse voices here in the Central Valley," Brisa Bridge said.

Local labor groups were joined by faith leaders and advocates representing immigrant communities, including those from rural areas.

Naindeep Singh, an advocate for the Punjabi community, said fear can prevent workers from asserting their rights.

"Far too often, we often don't assert our rights because a lot kind of are worried often times said while it was better than the country we came from some matter we have to deal with at least it's better than that," Singh said.

Rural communities were repeatedly cited as among the most vulnerable, with speakers saying workers in those areas are often overlooked.

Firebaugh council member Felipe Perez emphasized the need for broader economic support.

"Job creation we need job creation everywhere not just in Firebaugh. I don't know if you know but people from the rural areas they're losing their jobs," Perez said.

This year's route, from City Hall to the ICE detention center, was chosen intentionally, protesters said, to oppose what they described as widespread deportations under the Trump administration that target working immigrant communities.

Carlos Fuentes said he marched to speak for those unable to attend.

"I feel like those who can't show up show their face be present in a protest. Should use that privilege to give a message," he said.

Organizers said participants included nurses, teachers and farmworkers, all hoping to spotlight inequities and systemic issues across the workforce.

"We're all together we all came from a different place we weren't just born here and the message we're trying to give is we should be all united," Gutierrez said.

Fresno police monitored the march as it moved through downtown. No disruptions were reported, and the demonstration remained peaceful.

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