Los Angeles Responds to Immigration Raids with Art and Activism

In response to the federal immigration raids that have intensified under the Trump administration, a coalition of three Los Angeles institutions—California Community Foundation, LA Plaza Cultura y Artes, and the Japanese American National Museum—launched a public art project titled "Am I Next?" on November 6, 2025. This initiative features large-scale projections of portraits and stories of local residents, highlighting the fear and trauma experienced by many in the community. The project aims to raise awareness about the impact of immigration enforcement, which has seen over 65,000 immigrants detained nationwide, with a significant portion lacking criminal convictions.

The Guardian

The project draws parallels between current immigration tactics and historical injustices faced by the Japanese American community during World War II. James Herr, director of the Japanese American National Museum, emphasized that protecting the rights of any community member is essential for safeguarding the rights of all. Notable figures, including actors Edward James Olmos and George Takei, have participated, with many residents expressing both fear and a desire to stand against the raids. Pulitzer-winning photographer Barbara Davidson noted that some individuals hesitated to participate due to concerns about their immigration status.

The Guardian

Since the Supreme Court's ruling in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, which temporarily lifted restrictions on ICE's ability to detain individuals based on ethnicity or language, the agency has ramped up operations in Southern California. Reports indicate that ICE has targeted Latino-majority areas, including swap meets and food stands, leading to significant community disruption. Local businesses, particularly restaurants, have felt the repercussions, with some owners reporting closures and a decline in customer traffic due to fear of raids.

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Advocacy groups like Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas (COFEM) have mobilized to protect undocumented workers, offering resources and training to help families navigate encounters with ICE. Francisco J. Moreno-Castillo, COFEM's executive director, highlighted the emotional toll of living in constant fear of separation from loved ones. Community members have also organized protests, including the "No Sleep for ICE" demonstrations, aimed at disrupting the comfort of ICE agents by protesting outside hotels where they stay.

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Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policies argue that the aggressive tactics employed by ICE amount to racial profiling and violate constitutional rights. The recent detainment of individuals during scheduled immigration appointments has drawn particular ire, with Congressman Robert Garcia describing such actions as inhumane. The community's response has included petitions and fundraising efforts to support those affected by the raids.

LA Times

The "Am I Next?" project is set to continue indefinitely, with plans to expand its reach to other cities, including San Francisco and New York. Miguel Santana, president of the California Community Foundation, stated that the project will persist until constitutional rights are upheld for all. As Los Angeles grapples with the implications of federal immigration enforcement, the intersection of art, activism, and community solidarity remains a powerful response to the ongoing crisis.

The Guardian

• “Courage is the best antidote to authoritarianism.” — Miguel Santana, President, California Community Foundation

The Guardian

• “Living with that constant fear of being separated from our loved ones is something no family should have to endure.” — Francisco J. Moreno-Castillo, Executive Director, COFEM

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• “The same kind of xenophobia, fear, prejudice and racism that Japanese Americans faced during world war two is what our current immigrant populations are facing.” — James Herr, Director, Japanese American National Museum

The Guardian

While reports indicate a significant increase in ICE activity and community fear, exact numbers regarding detentions and the impact on local businesses vary. Some sources cite over 1,000 confirmed detentions since the Supreme Court ruling, while others emphasize the broader emotional and economic toll on communities without specific figures.

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