Portland, Oregon—Residents gathered at Portland State University on May 1, 2025, for an enthusiastic May Day rally advocating for workers’ rights. Organized by the grassroots group 50501 Portland, the event featured a 2.2-mile march through downtown streets, drawing hundreds of participants eager to voice their concerns about labor issues and immigrant rights.
Demonstrators carried signs and chanted slogans, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and resistance against what many view as oppressive governmental policies. Among the participants was Tara Dublin, who passionately joined others in chants celebrating worker dignity. The rhythmic sounds of a bucket drum played by Marny Silverman added to the vibrant atmosphere at the Park Blocks.
The May Day festivities extended beyond Portland. In Salem, Oregon’s capital, a similar demonstration saw hundreds marching in support of immigrant rights, organized by the farmworker advocacy group PCUN. This year’s observance held particular significance for many as it provided a platform to express dissatisfaction with the current administration’s stance on immigration. Reyna Lopez, executive director of PCUN, highlighted the detrimental impact of executive orders and immigration enforcement policies on vulnerable communities.
Lopez’s organization has taken a proactive stance, recently filing a lawsuit against the federal government to protect sensitive locations like schools and hospitals from immigration enforcement. “Immigrant Oregonians are integral to our state’s success,” Lopez stated emphatically, underscoring the importance of community solidarity in the fight for equitable rights.
Several different events unfolded across the Pacific Northwest, with Portland’s demonstrations becoming a focal point for expressing broader frustrations. Many attendees, like Margaret Hess, resonated with the struggles articulated during the protests. Hess, who traveled from Vancouver, Washington, rang a bell she called the “bell of shame,” a personal symbol of resistance. “I attend every rally I can. We are fighting for our lives; there’s no way I’ll sit this one out,” she declared.
The strong turnout reflected a collective determination to effect change. Julia Marie, another protester, observed a noticeable shift in the energy of the crowd compared to past demonstrations. “It feels incredibly positive,” she noted, “People here just want to march and be heard.” She highlighted the constructive role of police, who helped facilitate traffic management during the protests.
In Seattle, the momentum continued with a rally at Cal Anderson Park, where activists focused on immigrant rights and labor issues. Protestors rallied against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and criticizing the mass deportation initiatives. Demonstrators raised awareness about the Northwest Detention Center, a facility housing undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation.
As May Day events unfolded across Oregon and Washington, participants echoed a common theme of unity against socio-political injustices. The demonstrations brought together diverse groups unified in their demands for comprehensive reform, showcasing the enduring spirit of the labor movement and its commitment to advocating for the rights of all workers.