Immigration raids affect July 4th celebrations

New York.- Hundreds of residents in the Bronx, New York, agreed this Friday that immigration raids have affected the July 4th celebrations, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the United States. As explained by some consulted by a De Último Minuto team, on July 4th, being a holiday, it is traditional for Hispanics to go to parks, recreation centers and public spaces to share with family. However, they assure that this year that custom has practically disappeared. "I am surprised, many Dominicans come here and this was food, Paris, music, and here there is no one," explained Manuel Martinez, of Honduran nationality, who has been residing in the United States for several years. Jonas Nathanael, who is Dominican and arrived in New York two summers ago, also expressed himself. He maintains that unlike this year, in 2024 there was no space for more people in the parks and that the celebration extended until midnight. "Last year this was good, I don't know what's wrong with people, I don't know if there are restrictions from the authorities, but this is desolate," said Jonas Nathanael, a native of Andres Boca Chica. However, for Radhames Mejía, a native of Azua who arrived in New York a year ago, the absence of families in the parks is due to the fear that undocumented immigrants have of being arrested by immigration agents.

You can read: JULY 4TH: History of the Independence of the United States

"The bear is cold, there's nothing, I think people are scared, that's why they decided to stay home. Last year everything was very emotional and an emotion," he explained. The United States Independence Day is a day of celebration in the American nation where, in addition to outdoor celebrations, it is tradition to launch fireworks and parade with the American flag.