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Tampa says, “Not1More” at May Day protest

By staff

Tampa May Day march against deportations

Tampa, FL – On May 3, protesters demanded “not one more” deportation for the millions of undocumented in the U.S. This was Tampa's second May Day protest against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and Obama's record 2 million deportations. Joining together at Centennial Park in Ybor City, they rallied under a banner that read, “Shut down ICE.” Ybor City is known as a home for immigrants and has been a destination for the migration of different peoples for over 100 years.

40 people gathered under a pavilion to talk about drivers licenses for the undocumented, deportations, and May Day. People from Raices En Tampa, Students for A Democratic Society, Tampa Dream Defenders, League of United Latin American Citizens, Casa Chiapas and Freedom Road Socialist Organization spoke to the crowd.

Alicia Argenal of Raices En Tampa said, “We want to tell President Obama no more! No more separation of families. I have 15 years without giving a hug to my auntie and grandma. Nine months without seeing my mother and sister. This affects me personally and we are tired of our community living in fear!”

Marching from the pavilion they took to the streets. They took up a lane of traffic and circled a local ICE office chanting “Policia, la migra, la misma porqueria” (Police, ICE, same old dirty work). They were soon followed by several cop cars, as they marched back to the park. At the park, protesters said actions against deportations can't end on May Day. Groups plan to keep organizing in town.

#TampaFL #MayDay #deportations #internationalWorkersDay #Not1More