LA County cities cancel or postpone summer events due to immigration raids

This year the Fourth of July will be different in many cities and communities across L.A. County. Instead of celebrating the United States’ independence, many people are trying to keep the immigrant community safe. 

With the massive ICE and Border Patrol raids taking place since the beginning of June, more cities, mainly those with Latino populations, have seen a spike in detentions, arrests and even deportations from people in their communities. 

Los Angeles County has a population of nearly 10 million and is home to a large population of undocumented immigrants. According to  a 2020 study by the USC Dornsife one in 10 residents is undocumented.

Huntington Park, one of the cities that has been targeted most often by federal immigration enforcement, recently announced that their annual Fourth of July fireworks event will be postponed, as well as several summer events scheduled for the next 30 days. 

The city said in a statement that this is done in abundance of caution and concern for the well-being of the residents. 

“Reports of unmarked vehicles and unidentified federal agents have created widespread anxiety, particularly among immigrant and mixed-status families,” reads the statement. “Many residents have expressed fear and uncertainty, leading them to remain indoors, refrain from work, and withdraw from daily public life.

Huntington Park Mayor Arturo Flores told CBS during the last event only four families attended movie night. 

Other cities and communities that have canceled or postponed their Independence Day and/or summer events include Cudahy, South Gate, Bell Gardens, El Sereno, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Whittier and even the popular events hosted by L.A. County and the City of L.A. 

The City of Cudahy had planned their event for Thursday, July 3, but now it has been postponed “due to recent events and concerns regarding the safety” of the residents. 

The City of South Gate originally had planned a weekend 4th of July festival from July 3 to 6, which would include a carnival and live music. On their social media platforms the City apologized for the inconvenience, stating that they "prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.”

The City of Whittier announced that their 4th of July Freedom Walk, originally scheduled for the morning of July 4 at Palm Park, will be canceled. “While celebrating our nation’s founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we’ve received from some community members asking that we pause this year’s Freedom Walk event,” said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. 

The fireworks event at York Field in the evening will continue as scheduled.

The popular East LA Rocking’ 4th of July hosted by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation will also be canceled.

The department said it is “due to the safety concerns and recent ICE activity” in the area. They are also postponing their Summer Movies & Concerts at Scharbarum Park. 

The City of Los Angeles is following by postponing the Summer Block Party at Gloria Molina Grand Park, an event scheduled for July 4 from 4 to 9:30pm.

The venue stated on social media that this decision was made “out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing events across L.A. County,” asking their social media  followers to stay tuned for a new summer date.