Whittier Residents Celebrate Independence Day Despite Intimidation Campaign and False Media Reports

Despite a coordinated push by left-wing activists to cancel Independence Day celebrations in Whittier—citing the recent ICE raids and calling the holiday “racist”—residents across the city and unincorporated communities proudly stood their ground and celebrated America’s birth.

At the City of Whittier’s official fireworks show at Yorkfield, attendance started off lighter than usual, with noticeable open space. But as the evening progressed, a steady stream of residents began entering in small groups—ones, twos, threes, and fours—appearing to avoid detection by far-left, open-borders activists who had spent the day doxing, slandering, and bullying anyone who refused to boycott the event.

In addition to the activists’ harassment campaign, confusion was fueled by false reports from major mainstream news outlets. Television stations ABC 7, KTLA 5, FOX 11, and NBC 4 all incorrectly reported that Whittier had canceled its 4th of July events. This misinformation was brought to the city’s attention days prior, and the mayor publicly addressed the issue during the Yorkfield event, confirming that the celebration had never been canceled.

A few vendors set up both inside the park and along the sidewalk across the street, demonstrating that local entrepreneurs were undeterred as well.

The open defiance of the radical anti-American narrative wasn’t limited to the park. In neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Whittier—especially near Cal High—residents celebrated with massive fireworks displays and music. One white truck with a large American flag cruised Mulberry Drive blaring Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA while people danced in the streets.

Online activists also falsely claimed ICE was present at Yorkfield arresting attendees. I was there in person. There was no ICE presence in the park or nearby streets. No one was being arrested—not even for fireworks. The activists claim to speak for Whittier but recent polling data literally contradicts that claim. The poll was reported on here: https://www.whittier360newsnetwork.com/post/community-poll-reveals-whittier-residents-largely-unconcerned-about-ice-activity-but-some-express-f Social media was buzzing all day with debate over whether Americans should even be “allowed” to celebrate Independence Day. In one notable post, a local resident used Facebook’s “Safe From” feature to satirically write:“We are safe from illegals today.”The post sparked laughter from many who saw it as a clever jab at the hysteria surrounding ICE enforcement, but predictably, a handful of activist users responded with personal attacks, name-calling, and accusations—simply for making a joke.

This only further highlights the climate we’re living in: where celebrating your country or cracking a joke can get you publicly smeared—but setting off illegal fireworks and falsely accusing law enforcement of racism is shrugged off or even encouraged. Earlier in the day, a well-known open borders activist took to social media calling for a boycott of Independence Day, claiming it was “racist” because people in the U.S. illegally were being arrested. One commenter fired back with a memorable pop culture reference from Star Trek:

“You and your people will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.”

It was a tongue-in-cheek but telling response to those demanding Americans give up their heritage, traditions, and even national holidays to appease radical ideologues.

The people of Whittier made their voices heard: We will not be silenced. We are proud to be American. We will celebrate our country, our freedom, and our right to gather—without shame and without fear.

Let the record show: Whittier stood tall for America on July 4, 2025.