"But this year, in the face of the Trump administration's relentless immigration crackdown - recently bolstered by the Supreme Court decision that allows federal agents to restart their controversial "roving patrols" across Southern California - there was a renewed sense of defiance, and of pride."
"We're here and we're going to continue fighting for our rights and for others who cannot fight for themselves," Samantha Robles, 21, said as she watched the parade roll by."
"I'm happy that many people are here so they can raise their flags - just not the Mexican flag, but also the American flag, because we're both Mexican American."
"A new Supreme Court ruling authorized U.S. immigration agents to stop and detain anyone they might suspect is in the U.S. illegally, even if based on little more than their job at a car wash, speaking Spanish or having brown skin."
Mariachi bands, Mexican flags and shouts of "Viva Mexico" filled Cesar Chavez Avenue for East L.A.'s 79th Mexican Independence Day parade. Attendance appeared smaller as families feared immigration raids and the Supreme Court decision allowing federal "roving patrols" across Southern California. Many attendees displayed defiance and Latino pride, carrying anti-ICE signs and American flags alongside Mexican flags. Some community members stayed home due to ongoing raids and fears of being stopped based on appearance, language or occupation. Local leaders and immigration attorneys denounced the enforcement as discriminatory, and Mayor Karen Bass voiced solidarity with immigrant communities.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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