Latest news with #4thofJulyFreedomWalk
Miami Herald
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
List of Cities Canceling 4th of July Events Expands: What to Know
Several cities across the United States have canceled their Fourth of July celebrations just before the holiday. These cities are citing several reasons for canceling or postponing their celebrations, including fears that Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers might use the event to arrest people, as well as concerns about overcrowding. Independence Day is typically celebrated with large gatherings and fireworks displays, but current events and city budgets are affecting how people spend the holiday in 2025. These cancellations also come as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have said they are working together to ensure there are no terrorism incidents over the holiday weekend, amid fears of a lone-wolf attack similar to the New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans. The cities that have canceled their celebrations or limited their festivities as of July 3 are: County of Los Angeles: East LA Rockin' 4th of July The Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department has canceled East LA's Rockin' 4th of July celebration, among other community events, "out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities." Bell Gardens, CA: All events The city of Bell Gardens has canceled all Independence Day events due to concerns about ICE. The predominantly Hispanic city has been hosting several events over the past few months aimed at educating immigrants on their rights regarding ICE arrests. Esparto Area, CA: Five Fireworks Displays Displays in Lodi Lake, El Dorado, Chico, Cloverdale, and St Helena have all been canceled following an explosion at the warehouse containing fireworks for these events. Seven people are still unaccounted for following the blast, causing the displays to be canceled out of respect for those affected. Whittier, CA: 4th of July Freedom Walk The city of Whittier has canceled its 4th of July Freedom Walk following community concerns about the event. Although city officials did not reference ICE in the announcement, Whittier has seen an increase in ICE activity over the past months. Mayor Joe Vinatieri cited "recent feedback we've received from some community members" as the reason for canceling the event. Whittier is still hosting a fireworks display at York Field. SeaTac, WA: Fireworks/Drone Display The city of SeaTac has canceled its fireworks display, citing concerns over crowd control and safety. David Inman, the city's communications director, said Angle Lake Park, where the display takes place, has a capacity of 3,200 people, but 10,000 people came last year with only 10 police officers on duty. A statement from the city said: "We simply cannot ensure a safe environment for large nighttime events at this time." Inman has said this decision is not related to last year's drone disaster, when the city shifted away from fireworks and spent $40,000 on a drone display, only for 55 of the 200 drones to fall into the lake. Itasca, IL: Fireworks Display The village of Itasca is known for hosting the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Illinois, but has had to cancel the famous event this year. Village administrator Carrie Ergo said it was an "extremely difficult decision to make." The display has been canceled due to construction around Hamilton Lakes Business Park. The building works led to limited space for the holiday crowd. This is in addition to existing concerns about crowd control, as the event has become a lot more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has led to community issues, including drunk and disorderly behavior and trespassing. The village was faced with a dilemma of either significantly increasing its budget to accommodate the changes or canceling the event this year. Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatierisaid in a press release: "While celebrating our nation's founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we've received from some community members asking that we pause this year's Freedom Walk event." Itasca Village Administrator Carrie Ergo said in a press release: "This was an extremely difficult decision to make. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always protecting the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025." Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said on social media: "It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation cancellation of this year's East Los Angeles Rockin 4th of July celebration. Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff." The vast majority of Fourth of July events will still take place across the country. There are also mass protests against the Trump administration planned for the holiday weekend. Organized by the Women's March, the "Free America Weekend" protests will take place in cities across 34 states, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montgomery, Houston, and Seattle. Related Articles Costco Will Close All Stores for One Day This Month: Here's WhyIs Trump's America Living up to Its Founding Ideals? 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Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
List of Cities Canceling 4th of July Events Expands: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Several cities across the United States have canceled their Fourth of July celebrations just before the holiday. These cities are citing several reasons for canceling or postponing their celebrations, including fears that Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers might use the event to arrest people, as well as concerns about overcrowding. Why It Matters Independence Day is typically celebrated with large gatherings and fireworks displays, but current events and city budgets are affecting how people spend the holiday in 2025. These cancellations also come as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have said they are working together to ensure there are no terrorism incidents over the holiday weekend, amid fears of a lone-wolf attack similar to the New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans. What To Know Fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2024. Fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2024. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images The cities that have canceled their celebrations or limited their festivities as of July 3 are: County of Los Angeles: East LA Rockin' 4th of July The Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department has canceled East LA's Rockin' 4th of July celebration, among other community events, "out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities." Bell Gardens, CA: All events The city of Bell Gardens has canceled all Independence Day events due to concerns about ICE. The predominantly Hispanic city has been hosting several events over the past few months aimed at educating immigrants on their rights regarding ICE arrests. Esparto Area, CA: Five Fireworks Displays Displays in Lodi Lake, El Dorado, Chico, Cloverdale, and St Helena have all been canceled following an explosion at the warehouse containing fireworks for these events. Seven people are still unaccounted for following the blast, causing the displays to be canceled out of respect for those affected. Whittier, CA: 4th of July Freedom Walk The city of Whittier has canceled its 4th of July Freedom Walk following community concerns about the event. Although city officials did not reference ICE in the announcement, Whittier has seen an increase in ICE activity over the past months. Mayor Joe Vinatieri cited "recent feedback we've received from some community members" as the reason for canceling the event. Whittier is still hosting a fireworks display at York Field. SeaTac, WA: Fireworks/Drone Display The city of SeaTac has canceled its fireworks display, citing concerns over crowd control and safety. David Inman, the city's communications director, said Angle Lake Park, where the display takes place, has a capacity of 3,200 people, but 10,000 people came last year with only 10 police officers on duty. A statement from the city said: "We simply cannot ensure a safe environment for large nighttime events at this time." Inman has said this decision is not related to last year's drone disaster, when the city shifted away from fireworks and spent $40,000 on a drone display, only for 55 of the 200 drones to fall into the lake. Itasca, IL: Fireworks Display The village of Itasca is known for hosting the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Illinois, but has had to cancel the famous event this year. Village administrator Carrie Ergo said it was an "extremely difficult decision to make." The display has been canceled due to construction around Hamilton Lakes Business Park. The building works led to limited space for the holiday crowd. This is in addition to existing concerns about crowd control, as the event has become a lot more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has led to community issues, including drunk and disorderly behavior and trespassing. The village was faced with a dilemma of either significantly increasing its budget to accommodate the changes or canceling the event this year. What People Are Saying Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a press release: "While celebrating our nation's founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we've received from some community members asking that we pause this year's Freedom Walk event." Itasca Village Administrator Carrie Ergo said in a press release: "This was an extremely difficult decision to make. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always protecting the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025." Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said on social media: "It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation cancellation of this year's East Los Angeles Rockin 4th of July celebration. Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff." What Happens Next The vast majority of Fourth of July events will still take place across the country. There are also mass protests against the Trump administration planned for the holiday weekend. Organized by the Women's March, the "Free America Weekend" protests will take place in cities across 34 states, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montgomery, Houston, and Seattle.
Newsweek
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where 4th of July Events Have Been Canceled
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Growing concerns over immigration raids have led several cities and communities across Los Angeles County to cancel or postpone their Fourth of July celebrations this year. Events that typically draw thousands of families, complete with fireworks shows, concerts, and parades have been scaled back or called off entirely out of an abundance of caution. In recent weeks, federal immigration raids have ramped up across California, prompting protests and, at times, clashes with law enforcement. Newsweek has created this map to show where Independence Day festivities have been impacted by immigration enforcement concerns. Why It Matters Mass deportations were a core component of President Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Since his return to office on January 20, his administration has arrested thousands of undocumented immigrants as part of a widespread crackdown, which critics say is spreading fear in vulnerable communities. What To Know Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles has postponed its popular summer block party, while the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has canceled this year's East LA Rockin' 4th of July. The Summer Movies & Concerts series at Peter F. Schabarum Regional Park in Rowland Heights is also postponed. In Whittier, Palm Park's annual 4th of July Freedom Walk has been canceled, although a fireworks show will still take place that evening at York Field. The City of Cudahy announced its Independence Day Celebration is postponed, Bell Gardens has canceled all city events through July 10, including its Fourth of July celebration, and Huntington Park has also postponed its Fourth of July festivities. It comes after Trump directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to go after sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. San Francisco's Fourth of July fireworks show is visible through the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. San Francisco's Fourth of July fireworks show is visible through the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via AP What Is the Fourth of July? The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On this day, the 13 American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, leading to the formation of the United States of America. The holiday is celebrated with patriotic displays, fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. Many Americans display the U.S. flag, attend community events, and reflect on the country's founding ideals of freedom and democracy. It remains one of the most significant national holidays in the United States. What People Are Saying The City of Cudahy said in a statement it "has decided to postpone the Independence Day Celebration that was set for Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, due to recent events and concerns regarding the safety of our residents. We appreciate your cooperation." County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation said: "Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff." The City of Huntington Park said in a statement: "The Celebration of Independence scheduled for Thursday, July 3rd has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and support." Trump in a post on Truth Social on June 15: "We must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside. These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center." What Happens Next Celebrations in other parts of California and across the nation will take place on Friday, July 4.
