Multiple cities across Southern California have canceled or postponed Fourth of July events due to heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity targeting illegal immigration. Communities with large immigrant populations, including Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Boyle Heights, and Huntington Park, have called off public festivities, citing safety concerns and growing fear among residents. The decision reflects increasing anxiety among immigrant families, many of whom are reportedly avoiding public gatherings.
Bell Gardens canceled all events through July 10, including a concert, a movie screening, and its Independence Day celebration. Officials cited safety concerns stemming from federal immigration enforcement operations. Similarly, Cudahy postponed its July 3 Independence Day event, and Huntington Park suspended all summer events for 30 days after reports of unmarked vehicles and ICE presence in the area.
Boyle Heights officials postponed their July 4 celebrations, and El Sereno canceled its annual Independence Day parade after a noticeable drop in participation. Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles also postponed its July 4 Summer Block Party, one of the area’s largest Independence Day gatherings. In Whittier, the traditional Freedom Walk was canceled, although the fireworks show is still scheduled.
The cancellations come amid a series of aggressive ICE raids across Los Angeles. These federal operations have led to arrests of illegal immigrants, many of whom have criminal records. In response, protest groups, including those affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, have organized demonstrations under the banner “Sick of ICE.” Their campaign calls for nationwide protests and work absences in opposition to ICE’s enforcement efforts.
Violent protests erupted in some areas, with demonstrators targeting law enforcement officers. President Trump’s administration has reinforced its commitment to deporting criminal illegal aliens, deploying federal and National Guard personnel to maintain order during escalating tensions. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the operations are aimed at apprehending individuals with criminal backgrounds or outstanding charges.
The wave of event cancellations underscores the growing divide between federal immigration policy and local leadership in liberal-leaning cities. As ICE continues its enforcement actions, many cities remain on edge, balancing civic tradition with mounting public fear.
