Authorized statement: May 1 demonstration in the context of International Workers’ Day

Authorized statement from Annette Martínez Orabona, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico, regarding the May 1, 2026 demonstration in the context of International Workers’ Day:

“The ACLU of Puerto Rico maintained an active presence, with nine legal observers stationed throughout the route followed by demonstrators exercising their right to freedom of expression this Friday in the Hato Rey area.

As an organization, we recognize that those present were able to march and voice their demands without violent intervention by members of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau or other agents. However, it is important to denounce the clearly excessive presence of police officers, whose formations sent a message of intimidation and control toward the public, rather than reflecting a presence aimed at protecting and guaranteeing the free exercise of freedom of expression.

ACLU observers also found excessive restrictions on the streets through which the public could march and demonstrate, with barricades obstructing passage without any justification. Streets, roads, and sidewalks are traditional public forums for the exercise of freedom of expression. The unjustified blocking or closure of these spaces by the Police runs contrary to the principles of the General Order on Crowd Management and Control, which requires protecting the right to demonstrate and avoiding unnecessary restrictions on expression, assembly, and movement.”