A Love Letter to LA’s Resilient Mexican American Community

When the ICE raids in Los Angeles escalated a few months ago with the arrival of thousands of federal troops, it was obvious the intent was to vilify and instill fear in the city’s Mexican American community. Donald Trump made it clear early on throughout his presidential campaign and as soon as he was sworn into office that he was making immigration a priority and targeting non-U.S. citizens in attempts to “make America great again.” According to a 2023 census, the Latino population in Los Angeles is at 4.8 million, making the city home to the largest number of Latine residents in the United States. Of that number, 74 percent are of Mexican heritage. It’s no surprise Trump would set eyes on LA and unleash an overwhelming number of federal agents on the city to conduct massive sweeps on the streets. As a Mexican American who was born and raised in LA, it’s been hard to witness these violent raids being carried out. This love letter is dedicated to the Mexican Americans and other Latinx families in the City of Angels who are feeling afraid and uncertain about the future. You’re not alone, and together we’ll overcome this oppression.

Querida comunidad,

I couldn’t imagine Los Angeles without you. Mexican culture is so interwoven in our city’s history and evolution. It’s as if the region never forgot that it was once part of Mexico and still retains its Mexican spirit. From landmarks like Placita Olvera to the savory aromas of Mexican American cuisine that permeate the air, I appreciate the connection this city has given us to our cultural roots.

I think of the things our community has contributed that make Los Angeles unique. There’s Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights where crowds can listen to live mariachi music and watch ballet folklórico performances. Chicana artist Judy Baca gave our hometown one of its most famous and powerful murals, The Great Wall of Los Angeles. She along with 400 other community members worked on the impressive wall painting, which showcases California’s history and diverse makeup. What an amazing undertaking! The Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery has grown immensely popular over the years, introducing this significant Mexican holiday to non-Latinx Angelenos and welcoming them to participate.

Besides historical landmarks and iconic sites, there are also the humbler offerings from our Mexican community that deserve equal recognition. I’m talking about the street food vendors serving tasty tacos, tamales, Mexican-style hot dogs, elotes, and raspados. I remember being at home as a kid and hearing the honking horn of the man pushing his cart selling chicharrones de harina. It’s a distinct sound you hear in our neighborhoods. My siblings and I would race to ask our mom and dad if we could get a bag. We wanted to catch the vendor before he walked too far down the block. I loved getting my plastic bag of chips loaded with chile and limón. It makes me sad because nowadays, I don’t hear that familiar sound like I used to, signaling the coming of the street food vendor. It’s become too quiet for me.

A lot has changed within our Mexican American community over the past several months because of the inhumane ICE raids. Los Angeles is different. I know it’s an unnerving time right now. Many of you are afraid to leave your homes, afraid to go to work, afraid for family and friends who don’t have the papers to keep them here. It doesn’t help that we’ve also been made to feel scared of speaking Spanish or having a darker skin tone. Looking Mexican or Latinx has put a target on our backs.

For those of us who are the children of immigrant parents, it’s a struggle trying to balance our Mexican culture with our American upbringing, especially in the face of what’s happening with immigration and deportations. I understand because my father came to the U.S from Mexico as a young man. Even though he has his papers, is he really safe when racial profiling is being allowed? Many of you may be asking the same question and are worried for your family’s well-being. It’s easy to feel that we’re no longer welcomed in this country simply because of our ancestry. 

But let’s remember that we are strong and resilient. When the Chicano movement took place during the 1960s, Mexican Americans united to defend our rights and make our voices heard. Major strides were achieved to strengthen our communities for future generations, such as better conditions for migrant farm workers and the establishment of bilingual programs. Chicano activists like Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez proved how vital Mexican Americans are to the tapestry of Los Angeles. We’re still important; we still matter. I’m here to remind you that you have just as much right as anyone else to call LA your home.  

Dolores Huerta once said, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.” These are encouraging words to keep in mind during the challenging times we’re confronting.   

I take great pride in my Mexican heritage and I’m not going to let the vile actions of this administration make me feel ashamed of it. I hope you feel the same. No one can strip us of our humanity, our heritage, and our soul. Let’s continue to be proud, to show up, and not hide our cultural identity. 

Con puro amor, 

Jennifer