LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two years ago, Iris Delgado founded the Huntington Park Run Club in her predominantly Latino suburb to connect local runners and advocate for safety measures like crosswalks and bike lanes. Amid recent immigration raids by the Trump administration, however, the group's mission has gained new urgency.
With a motto centered on community safety, the club's Instagram account now warns members about federal immigration sightings. Each gathering features a bike marshal who rides ahead to ensure everyone is accounted for and feels secure. Delgado has also started distributing flyers and informational cards on immigrant rights at every run.
Close to their usual route, a Home Depot has been targeted by immigration raids, prompting nearby schools to go on lockdown during significant events, like graduation ceremonies. Furthermore, one instance of a pre-dawn raid involved the use of explosives to enter a home where a mother and her children were asleep.
In the face of these challenges, the Huntington Park Run Club perseveres, striving to reclaim the streets they call home.
Evelyn Romo, a club member, believes that simply running in these streets serves as a statement against oppression. She articulates, 'Continuing to take up space is a form of protest and resistance.'
While the club has never canceled a single run, Delgado emphasizes its importance as a haven for community members to decompress and feel safe. The club runs twice weekly, regularly attracting around 30 runners of varying ages and backgrounds.
Delgado highlights that the club's membership mirrors the broader community, emphasizing inclusivity regardless of individuals' immigration status. The Trump administration's intensified approach to arresting suspected undocumented individuals has left its mark; approximately a third of Los Angeles County’s 10 million residents are foreign-born, prompting many to live in fear.
Local events, such as Fourth of July celebrations, have been canceled as families prioritize safety due to immigration concerns. Stories of U.S. citizens and residents swept up in the raids are also increasing. Recently, the Supreme Court lifted a temporary injunction that prohibited immigration agents from making stops based solely on race or location.
Marco Padilla, another dedicated member, attests to the community's shared anxiety regarding the raids. He recalls how their proximity impacted even casual activities like hanging out in parks. The club, however, chooses visibility over invisibility, standing as a collective defense against fear.
Fundraising events led by the club have raised approximately $8,000 to support day laborers adversely affected by the raids, particularly at local Home Depot stores, which have become frequent targets for immigration agents.
Delgado insists on the club's active role in documenting raids and educating fellow members on remaining safe while doing so. Runners have been advised on the proper protocols to follow when witnessing raids on their runs.
Delgado concludes, 'Our primary community value is to keep each other safe and look out for one another. That understanding is now embedded in our culture.'
