The city of Pasadena has decided to cancel swimming lessons and other recreational programs at three parks due to concerns about possible immigration enforcement actions. The decision was made on Saturday after city officials noticed social media posts indicating what appeared to be federal agents active at Villa Parke, a park just north of the 210 Freeway.
Lisa Derderian, a spokesperson for Pasadena, explained that the cancellation was done "out of an abundance of caution." The programs at Villa Parke, Robinson Park, and Victory Park were halted to prevent any potential conflicts that could arise from federal enforcement activities. The city shared this information in a social media post, emphasizing the need to ensure community safety.
Mayor Victor Gordo reported that earlier that day, individuals wearing tactical gear and armed with long guns had been seen at Villa Parke. They reportedly chased people who were standing near the park’s soccer field. Gordo expressed concern about the lack of communication from federal agencies, stating that they did not inform local officials about their operations in advance. This lack of coordination raises the risk of misunderstandings or confrontations between residents and law enforcement.
The city’s announcement follows recent incidents where federal agents detained individuals at a nearby bus stop, which sparked outrage among local politicians, including U.S. Representative Judy Chu. She criticized the aggressive tactics used by agents, especially an incident where an agent pointed a gun at a man filming the agent’s vehicle. Chu called the actions "outrageous" and highlighted the fear these operations instill in the community.
Gordo echoed these sentiments, stating that the unannounced presence of armed federal agents in neighborhoods can create volatile situations. He emphasized the importance of communication between federal agencies and local authorities to prevent unnecessary tensions.
As the city grapples with these developments, residents are left feeling uncertain about their safety and the implications of federal enforcement activities in their community.