Groups Rally Downtown For Illegal Immigrants' Rights

SAN DIEGO -- About 200 pro-immigration demonstrators called Thursday for comprehensive immigration reform during a march and rally in downtown San Diego that coincided with similar events nationwide.

Speakers called for amnesty for illegal immigrants and an end to raids on employers suspected of hiring undocumented workers.

"We are marching for legalization for all," said David Schmidt, one of the event's organizers.

Anti-illegal immigration advocates argue that those coming into the country should abide by its laws.

Marchers carried Mexican and American flags and waved signs with messages like "Right to Migrate," as they made their way from San Diego City College to Pantoja Park.

The crowd of marchers was smaller than in previous years.

Two years ago, tens of thousands of people, including students who left school, marched through downtown to call for liberalizing immigration laws. Last year's May Day event drew about 3,000 people.

Similar events were held today in cities nationwide.

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles for a march and rally in support of immigrants' rights, a year after a similar event ended in clashes between police, demonstrators and journalists.