July 4th: A Day of Arrests and Protests

On a day meant for celebration, federal agents were busy. U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids in Southern California. Over 1, 600 people have been detained for deportation. The raids continued even on July 4th, a day meant for celebration. In West Hollywood, ICE agents in bulletproof vests raided the Santa Palm Car Wash. Two longtime employees were detained. A man whose father was taken said, \"He’s not a criminal. He came in to work on the Fourth of July. \" West Hollywood officials were not happy. They said, \"On a day meant to honor liberty and freedom, we see federal overreach. \" In Eagle Rock, a food vendor was detained in front of a Target store. The vendor’s birria stand is a local favorite. The vendor’s brother started a GoFundMe. It raised over $16, 000 to help with legal fees and support the vendor’s three children. Protests continued across the city. Fans of the Galaxy soccer team left the stands. They protested the team’s lack of support for immigrants. During the 12th minute of the game, fans stood in silence. They held up a banner that read, \"Fight Ignorance, Not Immigrants. \" In downtown Los Angeles, the police made five arrests. The LAPD said most protesters were peaceful. But they said some outside agitators caused trouble.