Donald Trump pinata in May Day celebrations

A Donald Trump pinata has been paraded around Los Angeles as marchers took to the streets on May Day.

Members of the 'Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition' displayed a giant effigy of US Republican Party presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton as part of their May Day protest in Los Angeles yesterday. Picture: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

The demonstrators were calling for improved rights for workers and immigrants and protesting against what they see as hateful presidential campaign rhetoric.

It was one of several events in cities across the US calling for higher wages for workers, an end to deportations and support for a government plan to give work permits to immigrants in the country illegally whose children are American citizens.

Norberto Guiterrez, a 46-year-old immigrant from Mexico who joined families, union members and students who marched through the city, said: “We want them to hear our voices, to know that we are here and that we want a better life, with jobs.”

Demonstrators repeatedly called out Mr Trump for his remarks about immigrants, workers and women. The leading Republican presidential contender has called for a wall on the border with Mexico and criticised Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton for playing the “woman card”.

“In addition to fighting for workers’ rights, we are fighting for our dignity this time around, our self-respect,” said Jorge-Mario Cabrera, a spokesman for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.

“We can certainly encourage folks to look at what they’re watching, what they’re hearing and have them represent themselves and their families - whether they can vote or not - and say, ‘We are not the rapists. We are not the criminals you are talking about. And we are quite good for this country.’”

In the United States, the May 1 marches have become a rallying point for immigrants and their supporters since massive demonstrations in 2006 against a proposed immigration enforcement bill.

Marchers along San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf rallied in support of immigrant and workers’ rights and to demand justice for several men fatally shot by city police.

About 300 people, including members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, held signs that read “Long Live May Day” and “Stop Police Terror,” and chanted “No Justice No Peace! No Racist Police!”.

Tomas Kennedy, organiser of a rally in Miami, said: “The Trump effect has taken over the media and silenced our voices.

“It’s time to stand up against the current threat to democracy, freedom, human rights, equality, and the welfare of our country and all our people.”

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