Thousands march across the country for immigrant rights

Across the country, thousands turned out in some 70 cities for immigrant rights rallies. In Los Angeles, an estimated 100,000 marched through downtown and to a rally led by singer Gloria Estefan. Some 20,000 turned out in Chicago and Dallas; and thousands more in Milwaukee, St. Louis and Boston. In the nation's capitol, police arrested 35 people who sat down in front of the White House fence and refused to move, including Illinois Congressmember Luis Gutierrez, who was wearing a t-shirt that said "Arrest me, not my friends."

Although rallies were organized by a broad May 1st coalition pushing for comprehensive immigration reform, many across the country were focused on Arizona and the recently signed controversial anti-immigrant bill SB 1070.  FSRN's Amanda Shauger went to a rally in Tuscon where some 7,000 people turned out for the May Day events and files this edition of Street Beat.

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You just heard the voices of David Mead, Angela Romo, Susanna Arias, Rosa Calfone, Yaya Castillo, Lupe Esparza, Ofelia Rivas, Stephanie Espinosa Medrano, and Simon Burruel. They participated in Tucson's May Day rally along with some 7,000 others. FSRN's Amanda Shauger recorded and produced this segment.