New ICE Raid Alarms to Be Installed in Highland Park

A grassroots organization, identifying as an “advocacy group,” is set to implement a series of “ICE raid alarms” in a historically Hispanic area. The leaders suggest that this initiative was, in part, inspired by events in Minneapolis.

Led by Amanda Alcalde, the Highland Park Community Support Group intends to install an undisclosed number of alarms across various streets in the neighborhood.

Alcalde mentioned that these alarms, designed to resemble small red spotlights, are meant to sound off when immigration and customs officials are present, giving residents a heads-up to “evacuate.” The group’s messaging suggests that they hope to motivate other communities, both locally and beyond, to consider similar installations.

At least one of these sirens is anticipated to be placed near bilingual schools in the area, according to a recent social media update from the group.

Alcalde noted that due to the initiative not being city-wide or officially sanctioned, they are collaborating with select homeowners and businesses that consent to the installations on or near their properties. Additionally, volunteers are distributing warning whistles to community members, urging them to alert their neighbors if immigration officers are spotted.

“This movement takes a lot from Minneapolis, and we’re trying to put our unique spin on it here,” Alcalde stated, reflecting on the broader influence of similar activism.

During prior protests in Minneapolis, local citizens expressed their resistance to ICE presence by sounding whistles and offering warnings in both English and Spanish as agents patrolled the vicinity.

Alcalde described the atmosphere within the community, saying, “I’ve seen a lot of fear in people’s eyes. It really feels like a big shift, almost like a dystopia at times.”

Highland Park has a predominantly Hispanic demographic, reinforcing the significance of this initiative in that context.

The complete alarm system is expected to be operational by February 23rd. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has introduced three new measures aimed at curbing ICE activities, such as prohibiting federal agents from utilizing city-owned spaces.

In recent days, protests against ICE have erupted throughout the nation, with some demonstrators going so far as to confront hotels believed to be housing federal agents. Notably, a significant protest occurred following the shooting of Alex Preti by two ICE agents, leading to chaotic scenes at a hotel in Minneapolis, where a police officer was injured, albeit the details of his injuries remain unclear.