PRINCETON, NJ — Hundreds of residents and activists marched through downtown Princeton on International Workers' Day Friday, rallying for immigrant workers' rights and against ICE enforcement. The demonstration was organized by Resistencia en Acción NJ and allies from 30 organizations.
The event kicked off at 6 p.m. at with a performance by Los Tigres de Princeton, a Princeton University student mariachi group, followed by speakers who addressed issues facing immigrant communities including wage theft and ICE activity in local neighborhoods.
Marchers moved along Washington Road and Nassau Street before turning onto Hulfish Street and John Street, ending at Community Park South, where musicians performed and community members shared personal testimonies.
Among those who spoke was Felix, a father of two who said Resistencia helped him recover unpaid wages from a former landscaping contractor. "Our work must always be respected. Let's lose our fear and not let people keep stealing our wages," he said.
Zoila, who has an ongoing wage theft case against Burger King franchisee Parade Enterprises LLC, also addressed the crowd. "We have rights, whether we have papers or not. We cannot be silent, and we can raise our voices," she said.
Ana Paola, executive director of Resistencia en Acción, called the march "a solid and joyful demonstration." Jenni Lopez, the May Day coordinator, added: "Politicians from both sides who try to put us down should know that these are our streets."
Here are some more photos, courtesy of Resistencia en Acción NJ:
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