Run Against ICE route included LA areas hit by immigration raids

KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In the wake of immigration raids throughout Southern California, a group of runners came together on Saturday in solidarity with immigrant families.

Organizers say the Run Against ICE Resistance Relay is their peaceful way to call for an end to raids and deportations.

About 1,000 people took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles for the Run Against ICE on Saturday.

"I showed up to represent those of us who, our parents came as immigrants to give us the opportunity to have a better life in the United States," said runner Claudia Bustillos.

Some participants said they have seen racial profiling in their neighborhoods, and they feel as though history is repeating itself.

"Whatever is happening right now, it feels like the Holocaust all over again, and it's not fair on justice," said runner Brisa Aguilar.

Event organizer Fayia Ramage said she may not face the same immigrant experience as others, but feels it's important for her to take a stand.

"I was welcomed to the city by immigrants, and also by the running community, and it felt like the way to create space just for people to really come together and, yeah, the whole promise of the event is that it's rooted in love and unity, but also a really powerful display of the fact that we won't back down when it comes to supporting the people in the city," Ramage said.

The 15-mile route encompassed Koreatown, all the way down to the Metropolitan Detention Center, and then with stops along the way to some of the well-known spots where ICE raids have occurred. Finally, it finished at the historic Olvera Street.

"We go past Home Depots, street vendors, places where people have been kidnapped out in broad daylight, so that was really important for us," Ramage said.

"There's been kidnappings, assaults on the community at the Ambiance, and the Fashion District, and the Toy District, and Echo Park. The federal government is sending kidnappers to take our people, and we're fighting back," said Martin Manteca.

Immigrants' rights advocates, faith and labor leaders, and members of the community say the run is a peaceful way to stand up to immigration raids happening in California.

"I chose this flag because we also have to show respect for our flag, our country's flag, but at the same time, we should be proud of where we come from, so I have Mexico and America," said runner Anthony Aguilar.

"We are united, we are strong, and we belong here," Bustillos said.

Saturday's run is part of a 30-day "Summer of Resistance" campaign designed to push for an end to ICE raids and deportations they say have "torn families apart."