#United States #Los Angeles #California Community Foundation #ICE Raids #Am I Next

California Community Foundation Launches Art Campaign to Protest ICE Raids

In a bold move aimed at raising awareness and igniting public discourse, the California Community Foundation (CCF) has unveiled a significant mass public art campaign titled “Am I Next?” This initiative endeavors to confront the pressing issue of immigration enforcement and its implications on civil liberties within communities across Los Angeles.

The centerpiece of this project is a series of striking, billboard-sized projections on prominent buildings in downtown Los Angeles, including LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and the Japanese American National Museum. Artists have joined forces to create digital images portraying the faces and stories of community members affected by recent ICE raids—all to ask the haunting question: “Am I Next?” This phrase encapsulates the fear experienced by many immigrants and their families, highlighting the chilling reality where basic human rights are threatened.

CCF President and CEO Miguel A. Santana emphasized the urgency behind this campaign, stating, “This is a call to action. ‘Am I Next?’ is more than just a question. It symbolizes a declaration of courage, standing for justice and the defense of our most cherished American values.” The fear of arbitrary detention, especially targeting undocumented immigrants, translates into a broader societal impact affecting everyone’s sense of safety and freedom.

The artworks involved in this initiative consist of contributions from over 30 talented artists locally based in Los Angeles. With each piece they display, they contribute not just visuals but poignant commentaries about migration, resilience, and community solidarity. The project, titled “We Belong Here,” aims to remind people of the critical need for unity in the face of adversity and injustice.

Notable cultural figures such as Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos and renowned activist George Takei have also lent their voices to this initiative, drawing parallels between today’s immigration policies and past civil rights violations. Takei shared a deeply personal account of his family’s experience during World War II, when Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps. He stated, “We have been asking the question, ‘Am I Next?’ But I am a Japanese American, and we Japanese Americans have been there before.” His call for solidarity across diverse communities underscores the need to not repeat the injustices of history.

The ongoing ICE raids have affected countless Angelenos, tearing apart families and communities. Through campaigns such as “Am I Next?”, the CCF aims to drive home the point that the threat to immigrant rights has broader implications for the overall health of democracy in America. Moreover, they intend to highlight how bureaucratic procedures can strip away basic rights and liberties.

Amidst this effort, the CCF has also established a campaign website that encourages community members to support the cause by submitting their photos, thereby fostering a broader sense of community involvement. This digital platform allows supporters across Los Angeles to show their solidarity and represents hopes for a more compassionate and just society.

A vital aspect of this campaign is the inclusive dialogue it fosters. Participants are invited to reflect on the current state of civic life while becoming engaged in active resistance against racial profiling and civil liberties violations. Leticia Rhi Buckley, the CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, remarked, “Together, we remind Los Angeles and the nation that silence is not an option at a time when diversity is under attack.”

The juxtaposition of the ICE raids with historical injustices serves as a critical reminder that the fight for civil rights must constantly evolve. The “Am I Next?” campaign strives to build bridges through artistic expression, cultivating empathy, and encouraging participatory citizenship. By making visible the often-ignored stories of those impacted by these raids, the initiative seeks to emphasize that defending democracy is a collective responsibility.

The campaign projections will light up nightly, commencing at 6 p.m., offering continuous reminders of the individuals behind the statistics and headlines—those caught in the crossfire of policy decisions. As Los Angeles displays these powerful images, they hope to inspire introspection and action from all Angelenos.

To find out more about the campaign and learn how to participate, visit aminextla.org.