Protesters from across the country took to the streets on May 1, in observance of annual May Day demonstrations that were heightened this year by rising concerns about immigration.

In Los Angeles, chanting protesters walked side by side in a march designed to call attention to immigrant and worker rights. Many demonstrators also hoisted signs and at least one carried a Donald Trump piñata.

Trump a Primary

The Republican front-runner for the 2016 presidential nomination was at the center of many of the protests with demonstrators calling for an end to his stated plan to deport as many as 11 million immigrants and build a wall along the Mexican border if he is elected as President Obama's successor.

"We want them to hear our voices, to know that we are here and that we want a better life, with jobs," said 46-year-old Mexican immigrant Norberto Guiterrez, who was also among those expressing support for Obama's plan to grant work permits to immigrants who have children that are legal American citizens.

Demonstrators also took exception with remarks made by Trump regarding workers and women, including his recent claim that Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton was 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.

Seattle Protest Marred by Violence

In Seattle, nine people were arrested and five officers were reported hurt after violence broke out that ended with police using pepper spray on a group of anti-capitalist protesters dressed in black.

Authorities claimed the group hurled rocks, bricks, flares and Molotov cocktails at officers. Earlier in the day, large throngs of immigrants and workers peacefully marched across the city.

Around the globe, union members have traditionally marked May 1, as a time for advocating the rights of workers. Here in the U.S., the day has also become synonymous with rallying for the rights of immigrants.

With the issue building in steam this election season, some crowds were even larger and much passionate this time around.

In Oakland, nearly 1,000 demonstrators descended on the Fruitvale district to largely denounce Trump and call further attention to the issues of immigration, workers and housing rights.

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