Several communities in Los Angeles County have decided to cancel or postpone their Independence Day celebrations due to ongoing fears surrounding immigration enforcement raids. This decision has been made with the safety of residents in mind.
One of the first organizations to announce a cancellation was the El Sereno Bicentennial Committee, which called off its 66th Independence Day Parade on June 20. In a statement on Facebook, the committee emphasized its commitment to the safety of participants and spectators, noting that many groups had withdrawn from the parade, prompting the cancellation.
Typically, this parade features over 1,200 marchers, including local organizations, schools, and entertainment groups. However, the recent climate of fear has led many to reconsider their involvement.
The impact of immigration raids has been felt across the city. Reports indicate that these raids have occurred in various public spaces, including parking lots and popular food vendor locations. This has created a sense of anxiety among families, with many afraid to leave their homes or engage in everyday activities. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted the pervasive fear in the community, stating that families are worried about their loved ones not returning home after running errands.
In addition to the parade cancellation, other July 4th events have also been affected. Festivities in Boyle Heights, El Sereno, Lincoln Heights, and Northeast Los Angeles, organized by City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, have been postponed. The city of Cudahy has also pushed back its Independence Day Celebration, originally set for July 3, with no new date announced yet. Similarly, Bell Gardens has canceled two movie events in June and July as part of its Summer Nights series.
The ongoing immigration enforcement activities have created a tense environment, leading to a significant drop in foot traffic in immigrant communities. Local businesses are feeling the strain as residents avoid public places, fearing potential raids. Community leaders and advocates have voiced their concerns, urging for a safer environment for families to enjoy public celebrations.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the atmosphere in Los Angeles remains somber, with many residents hoping for a return to normalcy and safety in their neighborhoods.