The United States is described as “one large melting pot”. The history of this country is defined by immigration. People from all over the world bring their identities and culture to America for better opportunities because of its power, leadership, and freedoms. However, many of the people that make up the country are being detained, deported, and even caged. Expectedly given the history of this country, the culture that they’re leaving behind has become a common formality with the people who want them gone.
The current Trump administration is doing everything in their power to deport everyone who they say came here illegally, yet have recently been targeting anyone who looks like what’s on their agenda. Although ICE is responsible for all immigrants, their main target recently seems to be Latinos, staying in cities close to the border or in heavily populated diverse areas to detain people. However, according to LAist, Asians seem to be heavily targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well, as 15% of their population is undocumented immigrants.
Although I.C.E seems to be attacking anyone who seems to be getting in their way at the moment, Hispanics have received the short end of the stick. In cities like Los Angeles and our small town Huntington Park, we are no stranger to the raids and people who are supporting them.
A big part of the city of Los Angeles is its sports teams, specifically the Los Angeles Dodgers. People who aren’t even sports fans see themselves wearing their merchandise, and they represent the entire city instead of just the game. If truth be told, the Dodgers organization hasn’t shown the most respect towards the Latino community during their first years in Los Angeles. Chavez Ravine was a community in the city that was primarily Mexican-American. The land had churches, schools, and even some areas to farm. It originally stood where Dodgers Stadium is today, but is no longer there because it was cleared out to make room for the stadium.
When the idea was first proposed to bulldoze the community, it was due to a housing project, as well as ideas for building new schools and playgrounds. However, the mayor of Los Angeles at the time thought the plan was “un-American”, so the land was bought back and traded to the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Walter O’Malley (LAist). The homes were eventually bulldozed, and hundreds of people were displaced.
In spite of that, one of their most popular sales is their merch including the “Los Doyers” phrase. It started back in the 70s, as a way for people with accents (Spanish-speaking immigrants) to pronounce the name of the beloved team. The Dodgers have shown support to the culture for their estimated 40% Latino fanbase, dedicating special heritage and Día de Los Muertos nights (L.A Taco).
With so many fans of the ethnicity of those who are being heavily targeted and being known as an organization that normally helps those in need in the city, you would think that they would be one of the firsts to speak out, right? Actually, the organization agreed to meet with the current president after their win of the World Series despite the anger of their fans.
In fact, on June 19th of this year, CNN reported that marked ICE Agent cars drove up the stadium and requested access to use the parking lot, to which they were denied entry. However, when the Dodgers confirmed this on X, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement responded back claiming it was false. This leaves fans to wonder, were they really there, or was it just an act to get the fans being affected back on their side?
Home Depot is a well-known spot for people trying to get a quick job for the day. A lot of the time, men wait in the parking lots all day in the hot sun, looking for someone to pick them up for a job in order to feed their families, pay rent, or any other necessities. Especially in times like this, getting jobs without documents is difficult when the current administration is heavily attacking.
Huntington Park High School is actually neighbors with a Home Depot. When walking or driving by, you can see many people waiting just for someone to offer them a quick pay. Even while driving by sometimes late into the afternoon, a lot of the people seen earlier in the day are still there. Many students at our school might have parents or family members that use this process as well.
These jobs are normally hard labor, with little pay as well. Unsurprisingly, Home Depot parking lots have seen their fair share of ICE raids these past few months. In fact, the Home Depot on Slauson in Huntington Park experienced this on one of the last days of school last year. A lot of the men we were used to seeing outside the building were taken by the officers, and many others were seen running from the scene.
Instead of supporting the people who make Home Depot what it is, the White House states that the co-founder of the company, Ken Langone shared his feelings towards the current administration, claming that he has,
“Never been more excited about the future of America”.
Ironic, when a large reason why the government wants immigrants out is because they claim that they are criminals who don’t work, despite waiting outside Home Depot for a chance at a job.
America is built off the land of others, originally belonging to many Native American tribes before the English colonists arrived. Over time, the erasure of their customs occurred due to the constant growth of the country. As more diversity was introduced to the United States, so was the white-washing. The ethnic traditions have been repeatedly censored until they barely had any piece of the original. They accept the Americanized version of Mexican food because it’s more like them. This ties back to the way people of color Americanize themselves to better fit in with the rest of people here. And when they try to call back to their customs, they are often ridiculed despite some of what they brought to the country being changed for acceptance.
As diverse as this country is, it’s difficult to not travel in a city and find different cultures. A significant role of American culture is the many different foods from all over the world. Indeed, many of those who support the Trump administration are heavily in support of the cause which is deporting immigrants, yet also don’t mind going out to celebrate with some “Mexican”. ‘Quesuhdilluhs’ and hard-shell tacos are a home favorite, filled with ground beef and some salt for spice.
Because I am a Mexican-American myself, these traditions are not new to me as I grew up with them. Growing up in Los Angeles, it wasn’t rare to see others participating in these traditions as well. Given the recent events in our community with the Trump administration and ICE raids, it’s hypocritical to me that so many people love to show off their ‘Mexican pride’ while actively supporting the very group that wants them exiled.
They don’t only bring their holidays, style, and traditions with them, but Latinos also help the country with the economy and birth rates. Without them, our country would not be able to thrive as it normally would. It seems that today, so many people are in love with the culture that Latinos bring, yet don’t want them here.
I urge you to take into consideration what it is you are supporting. Although it’s difficult to stop advocating for something you support, everyone in these times needs to be mindful, and hold businesses and people accountable. Even if you love the sport, shop there, eat the food, or just support, a piece of you is also justifying what they are doing to the people who make up our country.
Written by Victoria Gonzalez, Editor-in-Chief