Street vendors feed protesters amid Los Angeles anti-ICE demonstrations

As chants of "Abolish ICE!" echoed throughout downtown Los Angeles and police sirens blared in the distance, the aroma of sizzling hot dogs filled the air. While protesters rallied over the weekend against the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Southern California, street vendors kept their grills hot.  

From City Hall demonstrations to uprisings across Los Angeles neighborhoods, street vendors have found themselves on the frontlines in the past week. On Sunday, June 8, as protesters clashed with the LAPD near the intersection of Alameda and Temple streets, one hot dog vendor stood her ground. 

The Los Angeles street hot dog vending scene is recognized for selling the bacon-wrapped, or Sonoran-style hot dogs. The quick, cheap eat is a common sight at sporting events, in downtown areas and after late-night activities. In L.A., street vendors have played a crucial role in the city's culture and economy, and now they’re expanding their business models to include setting up and selling at demonstrations. 

Throughout the day, demonstrators stopped by her cart for food, seeking brief moments of nourishment amid the unrest. She remained at her post until tear gas was dispersed and federal officers on horseback began pushing the crowds back.

The ongoing protests were sparked by recent deportation raids, which have drawn thousands into the streets for over a week. Activists say the continued presence of ICE in immigrant neighborhoods is fueling fear amongst community members, especially in a city where approximately 33% of the population is foreign-born immigrants. 

While the protests have taken over streets and shut down major intersections, the street vendors, many of whom are immigrants themselves, have not retreated. Several vendors were spotted over the weekend at protests serving food to demonstrators, journalists and the occasional passerby caught in the flux. 

Vendors selling national flags, particularly from Latin American countries, are seen almost as frequently as food vendors. Many vendors are navigating a treacherous line, supporting a cause that aligns with their lives and values while working to make ends meet. Some carry no cash and rely entirely on Venmo and Zelle, both to avoid theft and to minimize interaction if law enforcement becomes involved.

As the crowd thinned towards the end of the day, the smell of grilled bacon lingered. Just as quickly as she arrived, the hot dog vendor lady swiftly packed her cart and left, heading toward her next hustle.