The Summer of Resistance continues the movement against mass deportations

As we approach the 30-day mark since the massive ICE raids began in Los Angeles on June 6, pro-immigrant activists have been gathering in Placita Olvera to protest against the injustices being brought on by the Trump administration. 

This is part of the Summer of Resistance campaign, a rapid response effort that unites immigrant rights activists and organizations, along with community members, to call for an end to the raids and mass deportations. 

As the nation prepares to celebrate freedom and independence this Fourth of July, immigrant families across the nation are living in terror. The campaign leaders say the people being most affected by massive detentions are being racially profiled through abuse of power, assault and harassment. The so-called agents are using a lawless system; no identification, no warrants and no probable cause. 

They indicated that this Fourth of July holiday will show a clear contrast between the country's founding myth and its treatment of the immigrant community. 

The advocates are organizing a series of training, fasting and educational activities, along with  celebration every day at Olvera Street to keep the community informed. They are also advising people to be aware of their surroundings if they plan to celebrate. 

CHIRLA’s Executive Director, Angelica Salas, said what originally was sold as a way to keep communities safe by detaining and arresting the “worst of the worst” turned into residential communities being terrorized with guns being pulled on bystanders, warrantless arrests and heavily armored presence in public spaces where children, elderly and families are present.

She said at least 446 families have called CHIRLA to let them know about a loved one who has been detained and disappeared while on immigration custody. 

“It's been 30 days of trauma [along with]  physical harm that has been suffered by those who have been detained and even those who have witnessed it,” said Salas. “So who are these folks? These are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, young and old, looking for work, workers at their work site, earning a daily living, all targeted because of the color of their skin.”

San Pedro High School student leader Mariyah Williams, who attended a recent Summer of Resistance event, said she has seen peers affected by the fear that their parents may not come home from work. 

“Some of my own friends have missed out on birthday parties. Children can't even be children all because of the ICE raids going on,” she said. “I've seen pain, that constant fear that inflicts on our mental health and the way that it eats at our ability to focus, to thrive, to dream. Our schools should be safe havens, not places haunted by the threat of ICE.” 

Students who feel comfortable are advocating through organizations and walkouts. They have talked to LAUSD board members as well as Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

“We refuse to let the system ignore us,” said Williams.

What’s next?

The Summer of Resistance has been going on strong since it launched on June 13, It is expected to last 30 days. 

The group has organized the Run Against ICE this Saturday, a 15-mile resistance relay that will pass through the most affected neighborhoods terrorized by immigration officers. These areas include Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Fashion District, the Toy District, MacArthur Park and Echo Park. 

Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, organizer with SEIU, said this is not a marathon, but more a relay for people to stay in community and stand shoulder to shoulder advocating for a cause. He said people can run or walk, solo or with a group.

“We are going to have shuttles for those who want to run specific legs of the run,” he said. “There’s going to be transportation… We will have three groups: the nine miles, the nine to 12 and the 12 to 15 miles.”

The Run Against ICE will take place this Saturday at 8 a.m. Registration is online. The event starts at 7 a.m. at Liberty Park on 3700 Wilshire Blvd. In Koreatown. 

“We're taking our resistance to the streets. We won't be frozen by fear. We're running to protest ICE raids and deportations,” said Garcia.  “We're demanding freedom, dignity and safety for all immigrants.”