LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a Latino suburb of Los Angeles, the Huntington Park Run Club, founded by Iris Delgado two years ago, has evolved into a beacon of safety and resilience amidst the turmoil of increased immigration raids.
Delgado's group initially aimed to foster connections among runners while advocating for infrastructure improvements like bike lanes and crosswalks. However, as federal immigration enforcement intensified in Huntington Park, the club's mission took on new significance with a motto centered on community safety.
Every meetup now includes postings on their Instagram about sightings of federal agents, and participants are supported by a bike marshal who ensures their well-being throughout the run. Each session comes equipped with informative materials on rights and resources for residents and local businesses.
The growing tension is palpable; local raids have disrupted school events, and residences have witnessed aggressive tactics from immigration officials. The group aims to reclaim the streets for the community, running not just for fitness but as a collective act of resistance.
Evelyn Romo, 25, a club member, emphasized that running in these streets sends a powerful message: It's a form of resistance, she stated. The club never cancels its runs, maintaining the space as one where participants can decompress and feel safe.
Reflecting the community's diversity, the club ranges from youth to seniors, highlighting that while many members may choose to remain unseen due to the current climate, this group instead opts to visibly occupy their neighborhood.
With about 30 runners strong on recent Wednesdays, Delgado leads warm-up stretches before hitting the pavement, embodying community resilience. The club also engages in fundraising efforts, having raised roughly $8,000 to support day laborers who have become prime targets of immigration agents.
Delgado insists community safety is paramount, further organizing trainings on how to respond to raids and sharing important contact information for reporting incidents. Our main community value is to keep each other safe, she affirms.
The Huntington Park Run Club is not just a space for exercise; it has become a crucial support network amid uncertainties, blending health with activism as they run for safety and solidarity.
