On this Independence Day, the Los Angeles skies may be quieter than usual. And it’s not just for the new drone show. The July 4 wave of cancellations and postponements is spreading throughout Los Angeles County as concerns grow over the rise of federal immigrant attacks in sanctuary communities.
Historically it’s a fireworks show, but the drone show has recently been put on hold at Gloria Morina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. Organizers of the beloved summer block party announced they were postponing the event “from a wealth of caution” citing safety concerns related to the city’s recent ice enforcement activities. The park’s Instagram assured Angelenos that the party will return later this summer, rather than red, white and blue confetti this week.
The ripple effect never stops. Rockin’s ‘July 4th Bash has been cancelled, and the summer movie & concert series at Shabalm Park in Roland Heights has been postponed, and the annual Independence Day Parade at El Sereno, which historically portrays more than 1,200 marchers, has been shelved.
Latin communities are the overwhelming majority in cities such as Bell Gardens, Huntington Park and Kadahi. “Events in public spaces feel risky for our members,” Los Angeles City Councilman Isabel Jurado, who represents the 14th Ward, told ABC7. “This is not the time to host large public gatherings because people are afraid.”
These fears are unfounded. In recent weeks, ice activity has intensified under President Trump’s revived, hard-line immigration policy, with reports of attacks in urban California. Critics say crackdowns have sown panic in areas with high immigration, urging many residents to avoid public spaces, let alone large celebrations.
“I have families who are affected by this, and I have other friends who know who are affected by these injustice,” Jordan Escobar, who lives in East Los Angeles, told KTLA. “So I understand why people are holding back [from celebrating]. ”
For now, some public events still include an alternative Rose Bowl celebration in Pasadena. But for many Angeleno, the fourth of the year doesn’t feel like many parties.
Because when the community is targeted and feels scared, hot dogs and sparklers don’t cut it.
Source link
