On Independence Day, downtown Los Angeles was alive with the sound of music and the spirit of resistance as several demonstrations unfolded in the heart of the city. Protesters gathered around a band playing salsa, cumbia, and merengue from a stage truck parked in front of City Hall, while mural artists drew in the background, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and solidarity.
Participants in the protest were eventful, with many singing along to Syl Johnson’s powerful anthem, “Is It Because I’m Black,” as they reflected on the injustices faced by marginalized communities.
“We’re not going to leave until the military and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) does,” declared Right Reverend Littlefield, who led a Catholic mass as part of the event.
Emphasizing the moral imperative to seek justice, Littlefield noted, “You can’t separate spirituality from morality. Religion plays a huge part in this because Jesus sought justice and peace. He’s the support of the oppressed and marginalized, and that’s what we’re trying to emulate.”
The protests, which are part of what organizers are calling the “Summer of Resistance,” have persisted for weeks, driven by opposition to what they characterize as the militarization of Los Angeles and excessive immigration enforcement. Organized by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, the demonstrations are ongoing as President Donald Trump has ramped up military presence and federal immigration policies in recent months.
“Historic funding for immigration enforcement has been allocated, including $165 billion to the Department of Homeland Security through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” stated DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The funding, she remarked, aims to secure Trump’s campaign promises regarding deportation and national security, fueling the protests by concerned citizens.
As the day progressed, protesters participated in various activities, including collaborative events orchestrated by About Face Veterans and Roofers Union Local 36, concluding with a lively gathering at Placita Olivera. Alongside traditional movements, the 50501 Movement led the “End the Occupation” march, drawing attention to the impact of ICE operations in communities across the nation.
Hunter Dunn, press and media relations director for the 50501 Movement, pointed out, “The tactics used in foreign occupations are being tested here at home,” highlighting global influences in local policing strategies.
With protestors marching through the streets carrying banners and chanting slogans like “The people united will never be defeated” and “Chinga la migra,” the vibrant atmosphere captured the spirit of resistance.
Even as some bystanders recorded the spectacle with their phones, displaced communities contributed to the energy, with a homeless woman humorously trying to keep her surroundings tidy amid the demonstrators’ energy.
Yet tension escalated when the protest unexpectedly halted in front of the Federal Building, directly confronting the armed military troops stationed there behind riot shields.
Frustration boiled over as a U.S. Army veteran openly confronted the troops, accusing them of failing to acknowledge the discontent from the people. “This is a bullshit mission. You can’t even look us in the eyes,” he declared.
The standoff at the Federal Building revealed the deep divisions between those in uniform and the citizens expressing their dissent.
As the crowd fluctuated, becoming more concentrated around the Federal Building, protests resumed at multiple locations, including City Hall and outside the Metropolitan Detention Center.
LAPD Central Division reported maintaining some order during the demonstrations, although multiple arrests were recorded. Problems arose again when the presence of right-wing provocateur Danny Mullen escalated tensions further among already charged sentiments in the crowd.
Identified for inciting unrest, Mullen found himself swiftly confronted by protesters, who demanded a peaceful and respectful dialogue. Even as some called attention to his disruptive presence, others worked to maintain the integrity of the peaceful protest.
“You don’t have to do this,” one protester urged the troops, emphasizing that they had the choice to disengage from the heightened aggression represented by their military postures.
Despite assurances from LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell that the department is not colluding with ICE, many protesters expressed discontent, believing there is an alarming collaboration brewing between local police and immigration enforcement growing more visible day by day.
“We’re starting to see cooperation,” remarked one protester who wished to remain anonymous, expressing frustrations about the increasingly militarized response to peaceful protests.
The atmosphere remained charged as the demonstration continued throughout the day, even leading to heightened interactions with law enforcement. Eventually, LAPD reported that federal police deployed less-lethal munitions to disperse rebellious factions amidst the protests, highlighting an ongoing struggle in Los Angeles as local activists fight back against federal intrusion into their communities.
These events illustrate a dramatic clash between activists seeking to defend vulnerable populations, and the powers of immigration enforcement wielded by the administration of President Donald Trump, where national security concerns often overshadow human rights.
As the protests spread across the city, it is clear that they not only reflect specific grievances regarding ICE and military engagement but also resonate with broader sentiments of resistance against oppression, calling for deeper empathy and understanding from both lawmakers and the community at large.
image source from：thecorsaironline
