LOS ANGELES (RTW News) — Two years ago, Iris Delgado founded the Huntington Park Run Club in her predominantly Latino neighborhood to foster connections among runners and advocate for safer streets. Now, in the wake of increased immigration raids under the Trump administration, the club's mission has grown more critical.
The club's social media platforms are active in raising awareness, posting alerts about federal immigration agents spotted in the area. With a dedicated bike marshal accompanying each run, club members feel secure as they navigate their routes. Additionally, flyers informing participants of their rights and details about their local businesses accompany each gathering.
Raids have frequently struck a nearby Home Depot, prompting emergencies at local schools, including lockdowns during important events like graduations. Stories abound of families being torn apart, adding to the anxiety within the community.
Despite these challenges, the Huntington Park Run Club persists in reclaiming community spaces through running. For Evelyn Romo, 25, a recent addition to the group, participating in these runs represents a form of protest against the atmosphere of fear that has enveloped the area. “Continuing to take up space even in the form of running in these streets is a form of protest, is a form of resistance,” she affirmed.
The club has never canceled a meeting, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe space for residents to unwind and decompress. Delgado runs twice a week with her group, which is varied in age; their members range from young children to seniors in their 70s.
Marco Padilla, an 18-year-old who has been a member since the club's inception, noted that the anxiety over raids is felt by all in the community, regardless of their immigration status. Friends of his have expressed fears of public spaces where agents might be lurking, inhibiting their ability to enjoy the environment freely.
While some families have opted for a more concealed existence, the Run Club has chosen visibility and advocacy. Over the past two years, they have organized events and fundraisers that have raised around $8,000 to assist day laborers who gather at Home Depot to seek work, a place now fraught with risks due to increased immigration enforcement.
Delgado emphasized the club's cultural understanding of mutual protection: “Our main community value is to keep each other safe and look out for each other.” As immigration actions continue to create uncertainties, the Huntington Park Run Club remains a beacon of resilience and togetherness in a fractious time.
