A beloved street vendor in Los Angeles, known for selling cold coconuts and fresh fruit, has sparked community concern following his recent disappearance amidst increased immigration enforcement across the city.
Ivan, who operates a vibrant cart adorned with a bright rainbow umbrella, has been serving customers for nearly a year at a local street corner. His regulars, including one customer named Miguel, have grown fond of his refreshing offerings, particularly the watermelon served with chamoy and tejate.
However, since mid-June, Ivan’s absence has left many puzzled and worried, as law enforcement, including ICE and the National Guard, heightened their presence in the area, leading to fears of detention and deportation for many immigrants.
Concerned for Ivan’s safety, Miguel reached out to him via Instagram, expressing his worry and affection. He identified himself as Ivan’s friend, reminding him of their daily interactions and saying he hoped Ivan was “desapercibido” — lying low and staying safe.
“I miss you,” Miguel wrote, expressing that he didn’t want to think of Ivan being caught in a detention center or forced to return to Mexico, describing the latter as a more stable option compared to his current situation in Los Angeles.
The poignant message from Miguel reflects a broader anxiety shared by many in the community, where the fear of losing trusted neighbors and local vendors has cast a shadow over everyday life. In jest, Miguel shared his worries with a friend, Lance, who humorously noted that his own son’s aspirations of becoming a professional fruit chopper might lead him to the same uncertain fate as Ivan.
As July progressed, there was still no response from Ivan, heightening Miguel’s concern. It wasn’t until Miguel had left the city on vacation that he finally received a message from Ivan, indicating that while one family member had faced trouble, the rest were safe. Ivan’s message reassured Miguel that they were managing under tough circumstances, yet the uncertainty loomed large as Ivan mentioned the ongoing presence of ICE patrols in their area.
Days later, Miguel received a signal of hope: a friend sent him a photo of Ivan’s cart back on the corner where he usually sold his fruit. Overjoyed, Miguel quickly reached out to Ivan, who promptly replied, confirming his return and inviting Miguel to visit when he could.
“I’ll be waiting for you here,” Ivan wrote, maintaining his warm and friendly demeanor despite the surrounding tensions.
Miguel saw this as a sign of resilience against the backdrop of fear and uncertainty the community faced.
While the struggle continues for many vendors like Ivan, the return of this local favorite offers a glimmer of hope. Miguel eagerly anticipates paying the $16 he owes for his last order, further emphasizing the bond between street vendors and their loyal customers.
As the vibrant colors of Ivan’s rainbow umbrella return to the corner, so too does a sense of normalcy, highlighting the importance of safety and community support in these challenging times.
image source from：latimes
