U.S. Social Forum – San Jose June 24-28

San Jose , CA – The U.S. Social Forum begins today, June 24, here in San Jose with a concurrent site in Philadelphia. The event is bringing together many different sections of the people’s movement under the slogan “Another World is Possible, Another System is Necessary.”

Tallahassee, FL – Community members and students gathered in front of the Old Tallahassee Capitol, June 19, to protest the planned mass deportation of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent, from the Dominican Republic.

Eloy, AZ – 200 detenidos iniciaron este sábado una huelga de hambre en el centro de detención Eloy, centro de detención administrado con fines de lucro por Corrections Corporation of America (CCA por sus siglas en ingles). Los detenidos organizaron la huelga de hambre como respuesta a la reciente muerte de dos detenidos, debido al excesivo uso de fuerzas por parte de los guardias. Inmediatamente después, CCA y ICE tomaron represalias contra los huelguistas, manteniéndolos bajo el sol por seis horas sin agua y sujetos a temperaturas superiores a los 100 grados. Las personas que se encontraban protestando afuera de las instalaciones tuvieron que llamar a los servicios de emergencias para prevenir deshidratación e insolación. Sin embargo, estos llegaron 4 horas después de que se iniciara la huelga y CCA les prohibió acceso a los huelguistas. CCA y ICE también son culpables de amenazar a todo aquel que participe en la huelga con 3 meses de detención solitaria.

Phoenix, AZ – 200 immigrant detainees began a hunger strike on June 13, at the for-profit Eloy Detention Center run by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA). The hunger strike is in response to two recent deaths of detainees at the hands of guards who are believed to have used excessive force.

Los Angeles, CA – In a two to one decision, The federal Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Legal Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the extension of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) will be delayed while an anti-immigrant challenge from Texas state government and others continues to move thorough the court system. These measures would have provided some relief to about 5 million (of the 11 million) undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Salt Lake City, Utah—On May 2, more than 100 people rallied in celebration of International Workers Day. The event, put on by the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, drew a large crowd to the steps of the city and county buildings. The people gathered to show solidarity with workers, immigrants, national and international movements.

Winston-Salem, NC – For the eighth consecutive year, hundreds of people are expected to join the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), AFL-CIO for a rally and march at the Reynolds American shareholders meeting on May 7 to demand the company finally act to ensure that their supply chain is free of human rights abuses.

Milwaukee, WI – May 1, International Workers’ Day, several thousand marched here in defense of workers and immigrants.

Los Angeles, CA – Undocumented Chicano and Central American students from Roosevelt High School led a militant May 1 march of about 400 people here on International Workers’ Day. The march included members of MEChA, and families, parents, and teachers in Boyle Heights. Viewed by thousands of spectators, youth supported by neighborhood families chanted, “Students support education and immigrant rights.”

Houston, TX – There were a number of events here to celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1. First, the Houston Socialist Movement held a May Day speak-out with many groups. Leaders spoke about the need to end capitalism, build a socialist movement and make a revolution. They denounced the anti-worker, anti-immigrant and racist Republican Party in Texas, led by Governor Greg Abott. Speaker after speaker expressed a great sense of unity and hope for a socialist future. Later in the evening, there was a May Day dinner to build a spirit of solidarity amongst revolutionaries.