The area surrounding MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant immigrant community, has experienced a noticeable shift towards a quieter atmosphere on Friday morning.
Vendors who once lined South Alvarado Street selling an array of goods, from food to soccer jerseys, have largely vanished due to an escalation in immigration enforcement in the region.
Cristina Serrano, 37, a trainer at Panda Boxing Gym nearby, described the mood in the community as one of sadness and fear, with people moving cautiously due to the uncertainty hanging over them.
In recent days, law enforcement has detained hundreds of undocumented immigrants, triggering protests and confrontations, leading to increased police presence and even military deployment by President Donald Trump.
The situation has left many immigrants, both undocumented and legal residents wary of racial profiling, choosing to remain on edge as they navigate their daily lives.
Panda Boxing Gym owner Serrano mentioned that safety has become a priority for gym members, many of whom are U.S. citizens, yet still concern for those among them who are not.
As a precaution, Serrano now carries her birth certificate with her and has a lawyer on speed dial, feeling the pressure of unfair targeting based on appearance.
Nearby, a Mexican restaurant closed unexpectedly for two days, adding to the tense atmosphere in the vicinity.
At Tony’s Barber Shop, business has dipped significantly as customers fear the constant presence of immigration officers, often referred to as ‘La Migra.’
One barber, who chose to remain unnamed, expressed frustration over the diminished clientele, noting how the visible enforcement drives away customers.
Julia Meltzer, a local resident, witnessed a federal operation firsthand while on her way to work.
Upon turning onto Virgil Avenue, she observed men in bulletproof vests detaining a man, later identified as Jeisson Gonzalez.
Meltzer began documenting the scene as bystanders started to gather, with some shouting ‘ICE,’ signaling awareness of the immigration officers’ presence.
As Meltzer videos captured the operation, a distraught woman, Alejandra Gascon, revealed her husband had been arrested while heading to work, highlighting the sudden disruption in their lives.
Witnessing the operation emphasized the stark reality of immigration policies as Gonzalez’s family faced an uncertain future.
Natalie Martino, another resident, could hear the commotion from her apartment and ran to her balcony to see what was happening.
After confirming that federal agents had detained her neighbor, Martino took to social media to warn her community about the ongoing enforcement actions.
While attempting to report the incident live, she recognized the troubling nature of U.S. immigration enforcement practices, particularly how individuals are taken without clear explanation or accountability for their treatment post-arrest.
Martino expressed a sense of unease about the ability of agents to simply remove someone from their life without warning, raising questions about the welfare and rights of those detained.
The overarching corporate silence among local businesses and community members suggests deep-seated anxiety fueled by recent developments in immigration policy, leaving many to ponder their safety and rights.
As the situation evolves, local residents continue to adapt their behavior, emphasizing the community’s desire to look out for one another in these troubled times.
The atmosphere around MacArthur Park is a microcosm of a broader national debate on immigration, enforcement actions, and the impact on immigrant communities, with many acutely aware of the stakes involved.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-13/macarthur-park-ice-fear-goes-quiet
