By Martin Shwenk Leade
APOn July 4, Americans usually celebrate Independence Day with large gatherings and fireworks
Citing fears of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, several cities across the United States have cancelled their Fourth of July celebrations just before the holiday, reports NewsWeek. These cities have expressed apprehensions that ICE officials might use these events to arrest people, thus prompting them to cancel or postpone their celebrations.On July 4, Americans usually celebrate Independence Day with large gatherings and fireworks but current events and city budgets are affecting how people spend the holiday in 2025, the report mentions.These cancellations also come as the FBI and DHS have said they are working together to ensure there are no terrorism incidents over the holiday weekend, amid fears of a lone-wolf attack similar to the New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans. List of cities cancelling July 4 celebrationsLos Angeles: Several Fourth of July celebrations have been canceled in Los Angeles over fears of raids by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to local officials and event organizers, according to ABC News. ICE agents last month carried out a series of immigration sweeps across Southern California, sparking protests in Los Angeles that spread nationwide as the raids impacted other parts of the country.ALSO READ: Anti-Trump protests to hit US streets as ‘Free America’ rallies planned on July 4: All FAQs answeredLive EventsLos Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said on social media: “It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation announces…the cancellation of this year’s East Los Angeles Rockin 4th of July celebration. 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.”Bell Gardens: The city of Bell Gardens has canceled all Independence Day events due to concerns about ICE. The predominantly Hispanic city has been hosting several events over the past few months aimed at educating immigrants on their rights regarding ICE arrests, according to NewsWeek.Esparto Area, CA: Displays in Lodi Lake, El Dorado, Chico, Cloverdale, and St Helena have all been canceled following an explosion at the warehouse containing fireworks for these events. Whittier, CA: The city of Whittier has canceled its 4th of July Freedom Walk following community concerns about the event. Although city officials did not reference ICE in the announcement, Whittier has seen an increase in ICE activity over the past months.Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a press release: “While celebrating our nation’s founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we’ve received from some community members asking that we pause this year’s Freedom Walk event.”Mayor Joe Vinatieri cited “recent feedback we’ve received from some community members” as the reason for canceling the event. Whittier is still hosting a fireworks display at York Field.ALSO READ: ‘Free America’: Trump to face nationwide revolt on July 4. Check full list of US cities holding protestsSeaTac, WA: The city of SeaTac has canceled its fireworks display, the report said, citing concerns over crowd control and safety. David Inman, the city’s communications director, said Angle Lake Park, where the display takes place, has a capacity of 3,200 people, but 10,000 people came last year with only 10 police officers on duty.Itasca, IL: The village of Itasca is known for hosting the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Illinois, but has had to cancel the famous event this year. Village administrator Carrie Ergo said it was an “extremely difficult decision to make.” The display has been canceled due to construction around Hamilton Lakes Business Park.Itasca Village Administrator Carrie Ergo said in a press release: “This was an extremely difficult decision to make. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always protecting the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025.”ALSO READ: Are Starbucks, McDonalds, Dunkin’ Donuts, Walmart open on July 4 in US? Check detailsImmigration raids in Los AngelesMore than 1,618 people in Los Angeles have been arrested by the federal government since it began clamping down on residents without citizenship last month, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The detentions have spread fear across Southern California, where some 1.4 million people are estimated to live without full legal authorization, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute.Since then, arrests have been reported at taco trucks, worksites and even immigration court — prompting some Latino residents to avoid going out in public, whether they have legal status or not.ALSO READ: July 4 federal holiday in US: Are stock market, banks, schools and UPS open today? Check full listAnti-Trump protests on July 4Meanwhile, Independence Day events are scheduled in protest of Trump’s policies, including slashes to Medicaid, said Tamika Middleton, managing director of Women’s March.The group had organized the Women’s March on Washington in 2017, the day after Trump’s first inauguration. This year’s events will range from low-key pot lucks to rallies in large cities.For instance, a gathering will be held at a naturalization ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to show support for new citizens. But there will be larger protests in bigger cities, including one outside Houston’s City Hall.“We’re inviting folks to envision what a truly free America looks like,” Middleton said.(With inputs from AP)(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onJuly 4 protests in USJuly 4th events cancelledIndependence Day celebrationsICE concerns July 4thcities cancel July 4 celebrationsLos Angeles July 4th eventsImmigrant rights July 4thCalifornia Independence Day eventsJuly 4 US(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
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