San Jose streets were crowded May 1, as thousands marched in protest of Arizona Senate Bill 1070, a law that gives police the right to arrest those who have no legal documentation in an effort to prevent illegal immigration. The protesters marched 3.3 miles, starting from the Mi Pueblo Plaza on Story Road and coming to a standstill in front of San Jose City Hall.

Local groups including United Voices, Comite Primero de Mayo, and the San Jose Peace and Justice Center organized the march.

Among the protesters was De Anza College’s Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán.

“I feel that as part of an oppressed community, we have taken the leadership and show other students and communities how you create change,” M.E.Ch.A member Jose Francisco Romero Elicia said.

Leanne Vezanni Katano, whose daughter Lina is a De Anza alum, provided shuttle transportation for protesters to and from Mi Pueblo Plaza.

Various Latino foods were sold in the parking lot along with Mexican flags. Attendees described it as not just a protest, but also a celebration of Cinco de Mayo, a national day of pride in the Mexican community.

Evelyn Sanchez and Salvador Bustamante, as well as St. Julie’s priest father John Pedigo, met the protesters at City Hall. Pedigo led the crowd in prayer and asked for a moment of silence for the people who have lost their lives trying to cross the border.

De Anza student Raul Martinez gave a speech to the crowd of thousands who gathered.

“I know many students who are in the same situation I am in, where they cannot start their careers due to their legal status,” Martinez said.

“I remember three occasions where I applied for a job and got called back only to be turned down for not having legal documentation. It is a shame to have such great intelligence within us and not be able to demonstrate what we are capable of,” Martinez said.

San Jose was not the only city with protesters on its streets May 1, as millions reportedly gathered in protest nationwide.

In the crowd, dozens of children sat on parents’ shoulders, some waving Mexican flags and others holding ice cream. One child held up a cardboard sign reading, “Please don’t take me away from my daddy.”

“I felt that along with the thousands of immigrant and working class people, a powerful message was sent to Arizona. We will not tolerate racism,” Elicia said. “We have to protest against the criminalization of immigrants and fight for the legalization of immigrant families.”