July 4th events across LA area canceled over ICE raid fears
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People protest outside Dodger Stadium on June 21. Photo: Katie McTiernan/Anadolu via Getty Images
A number of Fourth of July celebrations across the Los Angeles area have been canceled amid fears of federal immigration enforcement raids.
The big picture: Los Angeles area protests last month put the city at the center of nationwide unrest around the Trump administration's aggressive deportation push.
- The administration has continued to target LA — and other parts of California — suing the city this week, alleging that its sanctuary policies led to "lawlessness, rioting, looting, and vandalism."
State of play: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have carried out deportation operations in Los Angeles County communities with large immigrant populations.
- For one, there have been raids targeting day laborers near Home Depot locations throughout the county.
- Protesters have also tried to access locations like Dodger Stadium (which ICE has denied), during a game with large Mexican American fan bases.
- Now, out of caution, various city leaders and organizers have decided to cancel Independence Day celebrations and other summer events for the public, particularly in communities with large Hispanic populations.
Case in point: The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation canceled its East Los Angeles Rock'in 4th of July celebration, along with other summer events.
- "Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff," the department said.
- Celebrations in the cities of Bell Gardens, Boyle Heights, Cudahy, El Sereno, Huntington Park, Lincoln Heights and Whittier were also cancelled or postponed.
- Organizers canceled Los Angeles County's Gloria Molina Grand Park Summer Block Party, "out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing events across L.A. county."
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