Jessica Juarez was out early Sunday morning, walking along Alondra Boulevard with a trash bag full of spent gas canisters. Alongside her were other residents of Paramount, California, all working together to clean up their community after a chaotic weekend. The air still held an acrid odor from the previous day’s protests, where law enforcement used gas canisters and flashbang grenades against demonstrators.
The volunteers, mostly parents and neighbors, donned plastic bags, latex gloves, and face masks as they picked up debris left behind. Juarez, 40, expressed her pride in the community’s resilience. “They put so much fear into Paramount, and for what? These guys didn’t even clean up after themselves,” she said.
The protests erupted after the Trump administration announced it would deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, following confrontations between protesters and immigration agents during local business raids. Tensions flared again on Sunday as protesters faced off with federal and local authorities in downtown Los Angeles.
Paramount, a city of about 54,000 people located in southeastern Los Angeles County, found itself in the national spotlight due to these events. Known for its strong Latino community, where over 80% of residents identify as such, Paramount has seen crime rates drop to all-time lows in recent years. However, the chaotic scenes from the protests left many residents shaken.
Scorch marks from flashbang grenades were visible at the intersection outside a local Home Depot, highlighting the intensity of the clashes. Multiple police agencies responded over the weekend, and by Sunday morning, National Guard troops were stationed nearby in armored vehicles.
Local organizers, including union members and residents like Ardelia Aldridge and Alejandro Maldonado, spearheaded the cleanup effort. “It’s solidarity Sunday,” Aldridge said, emphasizing the community’s commitment to coming together in the aftermath of the unrest.
Images of smoke and police in riot gear starkly contrasted with the close-knit community that once earned the title of “All-America City” for its remarkable turnaround from past struggles. Mayor Peggy Lemons noted the community’s desire for peace and progress, saying, “Today there are people who are angry about the federal government coming into their city. That comes from fear.”
The protests began when federal officers fired smoke canisters at demonstrators, sending noxious green smoke into nearby residential areas. Maldonado described the situation as an attack on the community, asserting that residents were simply standing up against unjust immigration policies.
Pastor Brian Warth of Chapel of Change shared a similar sentiment, noting the palpable fear within the community. He reflected on the protests, acknowledging that while some actions may have been excessive, many were simply seeking answers.
As the cleanup continued, residents expressed hope for a peaceful resolution and a return to normalcy. The events of the weekend have left a lasting impact, but the strong sense of community in Paramount remains evident as neighbors come together to support one another.