4th of July Cancellations in the South East Communities

One by one cities within the South East Los Angeles communities have either postponed or cancelled Independence Day activities. All have been affected by recent sweeps by people assumed to be with Border Patrol or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

I say assumed because these "agents" do not present search or arrest warrants. They do not wear attire that is uniform across the board. They do not wear apparel with their last names visible. Most officers have their names embroidered on their shirt pocket and must display them during working hours. When these "agents" are asked for name, badge number, and etc...They refuse to comply and give it. They wear masks and hoodies. Who's to say that they are in fact officers at all. This leads me to believe that they are not professionally trained in the field. NBC Channel 4 covered a story recently, where it has come into question, again and again. How do we really know they are I.C.E. agents? Growing calls for police to show ID and face amid rise in ICE impersonators.

Out of the South East Cities only City of Lynwood and City of Commerce will be hosting 4th of July festivities.

City of Commerce Flyer

City of Lynwood Flyer

The following cities have either cancelled or postponed:

• Cudahy
• Bell Gardens
• Huntington Park (Postponed)
• South Gate (Cancelled), City of South Gate Cancels 4th of July Fair

The following cities do not host 4th of July celebrations:

• Maywood
• Vernon
• Bell
• Paramount
• Florence-Firestone
• Nearby Downey does not host a 4th of July either

Due to the violent, mysterious, and unprofessional nature of these assumed I.C.E. agents and border patrol personnel, communities have been soured against Independence Day. If these events had not been postponed or cancelled the turn out would most likely be a low. How can anyone feel joy to celebrate a holiday in " the land of the free and the home of the brave?" When neighbors and loved ones are being torn apart. When people have to look over their shoulders day in and day out to take their children to school, or to go to work. Residents within the South East communities are feeling the stress and strain of immigration enforcement.