Organizers behind Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Los Angeles this weekend said they are beefing up security protocols amid increased immigration enforcement as some people expressed their apprehension for attending the events.
One of the festivities is happening on Saturday as the annual El Grito celebration kicks off at LA city hall as well as at Gloria Molina Park in downtown Los Angeles.
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who is set to host the event as this year’s Madrina, assured immigrant community members that they will be safe at LA City Hall.
“(The city) is making sure that they have a safe space to feel some joy,” Hernandez said while appearing on NBC4 News. “We are in communication with the mayor’s office, our public safety partners, community-based organizations and peace ambassadors to make sure that we have safety protocols, policies and procedures to know how to react if a situation occurs.”
Despite assurance, several people NBC Los Angeles spoke with said they plan to avoid any public settings.
“If you feel uncomfortable coming to the celebration, you probably should stay at home,” said Jose Alvarez, adding his undocumented family and friends will likely skip Saturday’s event.
Tonya Byrant, who lives in Boyle Heights, echoed the same message, saying that she understands the reluctance to attend any public events
“I don’t think they are going to come out because a lot of them are scared,” Bryant said.
Even for U.S. citizens, the fear of being swept up in an immigration operation is too close for comfort, given the recent Supreme Court ruling that essentially allows federal agents to question people based on their accent or ethnic background.
Reluctance to participate in an annual celebration was also felt in East Los Angeles where the Mexican Independence Day parade will happen along Cesar Chavez Avenue on Sunday.
“This year we thought okay we’re not going to do it,” said Luis Ortiz. “My friend is still going to do it, and we thought about the possibility of violence because a lot of people will show up.”