Watch CBS News

Labor, Immigration Activists Hold May Day Rallies

DETROIT (AP) - Hundreds of people have held May Day rallies in Detroit and Grand Rapids, calling for immigration law changes and other labor condition improvements on the international workers holiday.

About 200 community, labor and immigration activists gathered Wednesday in a Detroit park and heard speakers call on Washington lawmakers to work quickly to enact a federal overhaul of the immigration system.

The organizers include United Auto Workers and AFL-CIO locals and the immigration rights coalition Michigan United. Backers say combining the groups' interests is important to the effort of strengthening the rights of all workers.

A march in Grand Rapids has included protesters with signs calling for an end to deportations and the passage of U.S. immigration law changes. About 50 labor supporters have rallied in Flint.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.