LOS ANGELES — The Huntington Park Run Club, founded by Iris Delgado, has emerged as a crucial community initiative in a largely Latino suburb of Los Angeles, responding dynamically to the increasing fears stemming from federal immigration raids.
Two years ago, Delgado started the club not just to connect runners, but to advocate for safety measures such as crosswalks and bike lanes. Today, in light of intensified raids by the Trump administration, the club’s motto—keeping each other safe—has taken on a deeper significance.
Every meet-up now features a bike marshal who ensures the well-being of participants, while social media posts on their Instagram account alert the community to the presence of federal agents. Delgado also distributes flyers detailing rights and local resources, emphasizing the need for awareness in an uncertain climate.
Incidents of raids have left their marks on neighborhoods; one particularly alarming case involved the use of explosives by agents during a raid just blocks from where children gather for their high school ceremonies. Such events highlight the precariousness felt by many families in the community.
Delgado’s commitment to her runners enriches their experience, transforming each group run into an act of defiance and community solidarity. Continuing to take up space... is a form of protest, is a form of resistance, says Evelyn Romo, a club member.
The club has become a refuge, maintaining its meeting schedule without interruption. Members, spanning various age groups from children to seniors, find comfort and unity in their shared activity. Despite the backdrop of heightened surveillance, participants express a collective resolve to assert their presence in public spaces.
Reports indicate that approximately one-third of LA County's 10 million residents are foreign-born, with many now trying to navigate life under the constant threat of raids. In some areas, community events scheduled for family gatherings have been canceled as apprehensions rise.
Among those affected is Marco Padilla, a long-time member who reflects that the impact of immigration raids reverberates beyond individual status. For Padilla and his peers, participation in the running club is not just physical exercise but a unified declaration against fear and isolation.
The club actively raises funds—about $8,000 so far—to support day laborers, linking their physical activity to community empowerment. They have also organized training sessions on how to document and safely respond to raids, reinforcing their commitment to collective safety.
As Delgado states, “Our main community value is to keep each other safe and look out for each other.” In light of shifting policies and pervasive insecurity, the Huntington Park Run Club exemplifies resilience and determination within a community facing significant challenges.
