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News

PHOTOS: Protesters Cross The State In A Car Caravan To Call For Immigrant Worker Relief

Connecticut Public Radio | By Ryan Caron King

Published May 1, 2020 at 7:44 PM EDT

Marylu Sarmiento of West Haven (center) joined dozens of other protesters with her family in front of the Capitol building on Friday, calling for support for immigrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unions and community activists in Connecticut renewed calls for the governor to establish a fund to help undocumented workers who are suffering during the coronavirus pandemic.

A car caravan paraded up I-91 from New Haven to Hartford, where protesters joined ranks with others from around the state in front of the Capitol building to hold an International Workers Day rally. Many stayed in their cars to follow social distancing guidelines -- and some joined virtually via Zoom.

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Rene Soto runs an art gallery in Norwalk that he had to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he joined the car caravan Friday because he wanted to advocate for undocumented workers who aren’t able to get healthcare during the coronavirus outbreak. "Health is a human right," he said, "and everybody should have it."

Protesters distribute signs before beginning to parade through downtown Hartford. During the rally, speakers called on the state government to prioritize poor communities in planning for economic recovery.

A woman holds a sign through the sunroof of a car during the "COVID-safe car protest" in downtown Hartford. Many protesters said that immigrant workers are putting their lives on the line during the COVID-19 crisis but aren't receiving financial relief from the state or federal government.

Jhon Molina emigrated from Colombia and lives in New Haven. He rents out apartments there and came to the rally to call for relief for immigrants and renters. "I have to support the people," he said.

Protesters attach signs to the front of a truck before circling the Capitol building in Hartford with their car horns blaring.

New Haven social justice organizer John Lugo helped organize the rally in Hartford. The combined organizations want all workers who are still on the job to receive hazard pay, proper protective equipment and guaranteed paid sick leave.

Protesters in the car caravan calling for the governor to support immigrant workers drive past a smaller group of protesters in front of the Capitol who want the governor to reopen the state. Some of the protesters on the ground shouted that the COVID-19 pandemic "was a hoax."

Roger Beckman of Hartford holds a sign before joining the protest. He works as a security officer.

Additional reporting by Harriet Jones.

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