If your Independence Day plans involve watching fireworks light up the night sky, you may want to check your city’s schedule. Some California communities are skipping the sparkle this year, not just because of fire danger, but also growing immigration enforcement operations and political tension.
Latino neighborhoods postpone celebrations
In Los Angeles, the Boyle Heights Beat reports that Councilmember Ysabel Jurado is pushing back city-sponsored celebrations to August in response to recent ICE immigration raids. While some neighborhoods may still host scaled-back events, other Latino-majority communities are canceling entirely.
The El Sereno neighborhood canceled its 66th annual Independence Day parade, saying in part in a social media post: “We stand with our community.”
Bell Gardens and Cudahy respond to ICE fears
The cities of Bell Gardens and Cudahy in California are also postponing July 4 events, citing safety concerns.
“Out of an abundance of caution regarding concerns for resident safety over federal immigration enforcement activities, the City of Bell Gardens will be canceling the scheduled events between June 24, 2025 and July 10, 2025,” city officials wrote on Instagram. This includes movie nights and the city’s official celebration, though summer day camps and sports programs will continue.
Cudahy made a similar decision, citing “recent events and concerns regarding the safety of our residents.” City parks will remain open despite the cancellations.
Vice mayor’s video sparks federal warning
Cudahy’s Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez is also under fire for a now-deleted video, later reposted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the clip, she appears to call on local street gangs to confront ICE’s presence.
“You guys are all about territory and this is 18th Street and this is Florencia and you guys tag everything up claiming hood,” Gonzales said. “And now that your hood is being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain’t a peep out of you.”
DHS responded by posting on X, “Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
‘No Kings’ protests return
Nationwide, protests are being planned under the banner of “No Kings 2.0” and “Free America.” The protests are expected to take place in multiple cities on July 4.
The first “No Kings” protest occurred June 14. The anti-Trump demonstrations reportedly swept through more than 2,000 U.S. cities. It took place the same day President Donald Trump held a national military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.
Organizers and critics claimed the parade was a “display of dominance for his birthday.” This was debunked, as the event just so happened to coincide with Trump’s own birthday.
Federal security officials issue warnings
Security experts warn that rising U.S.–Middle East tensions could further disrupt holiday plans.
Paul Verden, a former Secret Service agent and founder of the Lake Forest Group, told Fox News Digital, “As of June 22, we are at a heightened threat environment. That level will stay in place until Sept. 22 and could be extended.”
DHS issued a National Terrorism Advisory saying, “Iran also has a long-standing commitment to target U.S. government officials it views as responsible for the death of an Iranian military commander killed in January 2020.”
Wildfires and fireworks add to concerns
Political tensions aren’t the only reason cities are scaling back their celebrations. Fire safety concerns are also driving changes.
In January, Southern California wildfires burned over 14,000 acres of land. CalFire reports the blaze destroyed 9,414 structures and damaged another 1,074. Eighteen people died, and nine firefighters were injured in the incident.
Illegal fireworks have contributed to 1,230 fires across California and over $35 million in property damage across the state since 2024, according to a notice shared Monday, June 30, by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office.
They announced a record seizure of more than 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. Fireworks not labeled “Safe and Sane” by the Office of the State Fire Marshal are illegal in California. Violators could face fines up to $50,000 or one year in jail.
“Even ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use,” State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said in the release. “Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks.”
Cities shift to drone shows
Some cities are turning to drone shows instead of fireworks. Experts say they are safer for the environment, less disruptive to pets, and present fewer health risks.
One city in Oregon said on its website, “We are making this change in response to growing community concerns about the environmental and wildlife impacts, public safety issues, and wildfire risk that can be caused by traditional fireworks shows.”
No matter how you plan to celebrate, security experts advise Americans to stay alert and exercise caution this Fourth of July.
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Author: Chris Field
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