In response to the recent surge in ICE activity in Southern California, multiple cities have decided to cancel or postpone their Fourth of July celebrations. Cities such as Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Cudahy, Bell Gardens, and Whittier have all reported canceled or postponed events due to concerns raised by residents.
According to The New York Times, approximately 2,000 immigrants in the Los Angeles area have been arrested since the beginning of June, sparking protests and drawing a heavy law enforcement response. The raids have targeted various locations, including taco trucks, worksites, and even immigration courts, causing fear and anxiety among Latino residents, regardless of their legal status.
Huntington Park, California, has put a 30-day pause on summer events due to “growing disruptions” caused by ICE activity. The city of Cudahy announced on social media that its Independence Day Celebration would be postponed due to safety concerns for residents.
Similarly, Bell Gardens announced on Instagram that events between last week and July 10 would be canceled out of caution over federal immigration enforcement activities. Fourth of July events in several Los Angeles neighborhoods have been postponed to August due to the ongoing immigration raids.
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado’s office announced the postponements, with Jurado speaking out against the ICE raids on social media. Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles announced on its website that its summer block party would be postponed due to recent events affecting the area.
The mayor of Whittier, a city in Los Angeles County, stated in a news release that the city would be canceling its Fourth of July Freedom Walk after residents expressed concerns. Mayor Joe Vinatieri emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and peace of mind of the community.
The ICE raids have instilled fear and anxiety in many Latinos living in the U.S., leading some to avoid public spaces out of fear of being targeted. Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores condemned the raids as a “campaign of domestic terror,” likening them to psychological warfare seen in theaters of war.
The decision to cancel or postpone Fourth of July celebrations in these cities reflects the growing unease and uncertainty caused by the recent ICE activities in Southern California. The safety and well-being of residents remain a top priority as communities navigate these challenging times.
