Jesus, that was such an amazing thing to be a part of. In all my life living in Southern California have I ever wished to had taken Spanish instead of French in high school more. The only thing I really understood was the frequent cry of "Viva!" It was an intense experience seeing so many people gathered for a single cause. In my two hours or so walking with them and down the streets, I never saw anyone fighting or getting out of hand. When I spoke to a few cops, they said that everything had gone rather smoothly. Officer Randomguy** said that yes, there had been "minor things" (who knows what) as there always are when thousands of people gather in one spot, but that you just have to remember "to be careful, and that the actions of a few people don't represent a whole group." Though the officers I spoke to were hesitant to say much, they were mostly friendly and calm like Officer Randomguy.

protest001: No one else quite stood out like this. These guys were the only people I saw with more than face paint, tshirts, or flags. Not quite sure what their sign said because I was being hurried by the crowd, but they were the only ones that I saw that would stop and pose every time anyone wanted to take a picture.

protest002: On Broadway between 3rd and 4th, the girl in the sweatshirt blew the whistle around her neck and held up her "Who's the illegal alien, Pilgrim?" sign and was met with screams and cheers that lasted a good minute and a half. The protest had thousands of voices but many times, honestly, it really sounded like there was just one incredibly strong and loud one. Both girls were with M.E.CH.A, the Chicano Resistance. They were very nice to me and answered a lot of the questions I had. Apparently they were chanting (but in Spanish) "When the people are united they cannot be stopped."

protest003: One thing that struck me the most about the protest was the huge number of children. It really reminded you why the people were out there: because they have families. There were hundreds of kids, from infants in strollers to middle schoolers, with American flags painted on their cheeks and Mexican flags draped around their shoulders. As one my favorite signs I saw said: "I am a mother. I am a worker. I am an immigrant. I am an American too."

protest004: There were lots of Jesus-on-crucifix/Virgin Mary statues and posters. That thing looked pretty heavy.

protest005: I could've crowd surfed better than at Coachella. Standing in the middle of that mass of people made it feel at least 10 degrees hotter than it was outside. I smell bad. That's City Hall in the background, at Temple and Broadway. I turned up 1st because I felt that if I kept on down Broadway towards the building I'd never be able to turn around and shove my way home.

protest006: This guy's shirt said "We are not criminals." I hope he didn't end up falling down, he was perched pretty precariously (alliteration not intended, I promise).

protest007: These people were singing "Mexico Lindo", or "Beautiful Mexico". The guy had his guitar plugged into a little portable amp that was under his son's stroller. Everyone within half a block was singing along to every word. I got really choked up, it was beautiful.

protest009: Just a crowd shot from standing on a planter in from of Grand Central Market on Broadway, between 3rd and 4th.

protest010: In front of my building. There were Mexican and American flags on everyone and every thing, even the people selling cotton candy. I don't know if I know anyone as patriotic as the people that were marching today.

I know there was a lot that I wanted to say, but I really can't think of it now. It was stunning to witness and be a part of. Now it's time to shower and nap.

**Editor's Note: I assume "Randomguy" was not actually the LAPD officer's last name, but rather that Margot didn't catch his real name...