DeMille Halliburton, a founder of a running club in South Los Angeles, joined with club members on Saturday to participate in the Run Against ICE, a 15-mile race meant to protest federal immigration raids that have heavily impacted immigrant communities in the area.
Halliburton, 61, expressed a strong desire to voice concerns over current immigration policies, stating, “Enough is enough.” Members of the running club joined a larger gathering of hundreds of Angelenos, all pushing for an end to the federal operations that have been upending lives in their neighborhoods.
Participants navigated streets synonymous with immigrant life, including Koreatown, MacArthur Park, and Chinatown, bringing attention to areas affected by immigration enforcement.
Gabriel Golden, a fellow club member and U.S. citizen of Guatemalan descent, shared his anguish over the situation, highlighting fears of racial profiling and aggressive raids targeting Latinos. Despite not being a direct victim of the raids, Golden felt compelled to speak out for those affected.
“It’s been terrifying, and unacceptable,” he said, referencing an ICE raid at the Home Depot where he worked.
Golden adamantly refuses to carry his passport out of principle, despite advice from friends and colleagues to do so for proof of citizenship during this time of heightened tensions.
The runners were identifiable by their white “Run Against ICE” T-shirts, often waving flags or carrying banners reflecting a mix of American and Mexican identities.
As they made their way through MacArthur Park toward Echo Park, the solidarity of the group was palpable. Local onlookers expressed their support with cheers and high-fives, resonating the runners’ message of unity and defiance.
Approaching Dodger Stadium, the crowd passed by vendors and merchants as traffic halted to acknowledge the runners’ cause. Cheers rang out alongside honking horns from supportive motorists, illustrating a community united for a common cause.
The run’s final stretch led towards the Metropolitan Detention Center, a location that holds deep significance for protestors and advocates. This center has been a focal point for various demonstrations against ICE actions and has seen many vigils held by community organizations.
The timing of the run was significant, given the recent resurgence in ICE operations. Just before the event, over 1,600 individuals were detained in Southern California, emphasizing the urgency of the protest.
On the previous day, July 4, concerns around federal immigration enforcement boiled over when ICE agents were captured on video detaining workers at the Santa Palm Car Wash and a food vendor outside a Target in nearby neighborhoods. The deepening crisis of immigration enforcement has not only instigated community fears but also spurred collective acts of resistance.
West Hollywood officials criticized ICE actions in a statement, calling it a troubling reminder of federal overreach during a celebration meant for liberty and independence, stating, “Independence Day should be a time for reflection and reverence, not fear and persecution.”
Despite the trouble of recent events, community members like Laura Solis found strength in the solidarity shown throughout the run. As she and her 16-year-old daughter trudged along the route, she was moved by supporters who voiced their gratitude for their presence.
“‘Thank you’ for what?” Solis reflected. “Putting my body through a little bit of discomfort — it doesn’t compare to the suffering that these people inside there are going through. Wanting a better life — that’s their crime.”
The Run Against ICE illustrates the resilience of the Los Angeles community in confronting issues of immigration enforcement and affirming solidarity with those targeted by federal policies.
As activists and community members continue to gather and march, it is clear that the fight for immigrant rights in Los Angeles is far from over.
image source from：latimes
