Community Activists Install Warning Sirens in Highland Park to Alert Residents of ICE Activity

Residents and community activists in Highland Park, Los Angeles, are implementing a system of warning sirens to alert the neighborhood when federal immigration agents, specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are nearby. This initiative aims to provide families with time to seek safety during potential immigration raids. Amanda Alcalde, founder of the Highland Park Community Support Group, is spearheading the effort, which includes the installation of sirens at various locations, including a planned siren at the intersection of Monte Vista Street and Avenue 56, near a dual-language school.

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The siren initiative is not officially sanctioned by the city, prompting organizers to collaborate directly with willing homeowners and local businesses to place the sirens on private property. Funding for the project is sourced from community donations, reflecting a grassroots approach to addressing concerns over increased ICE activity. Alcalde noted that the initiative draws inspiration from similar efforts in Minneapolis, adapting those strategies to the local context.

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In addition to the sirens, volunteers are distributing ICE alert whistles to residents, encouraging them to warn each other of any observed enforcement actions. Activist David Trujillo emphasized that while the group does not engage directly with ICE, their focus is on protecting the community and ensuring residents feel safe in their homes.

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The initiative aligns with a recent directive from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, which aims to limit ICE operations on city property. This directive is part of a broader response to heightened immigration enforcement in the area. Alcalde expressed concern over the visible fear among community members, stating, “I’ve seen a lot of fear in people’s eyes. I don’t see a lot of our ethnic minorities out in the day-to-day. It’s big change. It feels dystopian in a way.”

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While the initiative has garnered support from local residents, it has not been without criticism. Some community members question the effectiveness of such measures in genuinely protecting individuals from ICE actions. Additionally, the lack of city endorsement raises concerns about the legality and potential repercussions of the siren installations.

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As the installation of the sirens is set to begin later this month, community organizers are preparing to expand the initiative further across Highland Park. The ongoing response from federal officials regarding this grassroots effort remains unclear, as they have not commented specifically on the siren initiative.

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• “If you hear the siren, ICE is in the community,” — Amanda Alcalde, Founder, Highland Park Community Support Group

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• “We don’t directly get ourselves involved with ICE, but we will get involved protecting the community to stay in their office or home,” — David Trujillo, Activist

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• “I’ve seen a lot of fear in people’s eyes.” — Amanda Alcalde, Founder, Highland Park Community Support Group

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