Instagram/@tessholliday
Activist and model Tess Holliday went on a much-needed social media rant with a message celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles while recounting the grim realities of ICE enforcement. Moments of innocent joy for immigrant communities: loud music at red lights, the scent of neighborly spices in the air. There was a break in the celebration, however, when followers entered with their devastating stories of encounters with immigration authorities.
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Holliday, who boasted of being in LA for 16 years, painted word-pictures of immigrant-laden neighborhoods: Tamales-abuelitas, quinceañeras out in the parks, and a smile that does not know language. It was a tribute laden with love and anger and a targeted challenge at the very systems that molest these communities: “ICE does not protect our city. It punishes the very people who built it.”
From then, comments became a river outlet for raw stories of pain and resilience. Another contributor shared a chilling story: her husband was grabbed by ICE officers and thrown into an unmarked car despite his legal status. “They restrained me and forcibly took him,” she told of her husband, who neither would identify themselves nor show any warrant. Her lawful taxpayer husband, who owns a business in compliance with the law, is still detained in a facility operated by GEO Group, a private prison company that profits from deportations. She requested for prayers and support as she said that her husband had grown ill following detention with no medical attention from them.
Another account told of their sibling being apprehended just for seemingly inspecting permits. “It’s criminal, inhuman, and totalitarian,” they said. Solidarity calls came from across the States, including those in Texas, New York, and elsewhere in L.A., thanking Holliday for shining light on these stories.
At the same time, lighter yet meaningful exchanges were sparked by the rant. One long-time LA resident said that they had never felt threatened in LA, provided they respected the cultures of the city. Another joked with an invite for a carne asada with an obvious nod to Holliday’s praise of commensality.
Suddenly, this sort of ended anyways, as the post became an anthem, loud and clear: celebrating culture, demanding action now. By interjecting personal stories with urgent political commentary, she transformed what could have been a mere Instagram post into a resounding rallying cry. Comments of gratitude and sorrow clearly justified the existence of these stories with some true LA flare; a big fat love for the city and its people ended up shining through despite systematic injustice.
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The one thing that remains very obvious as the dialogue continues is that the fight for immigrant rights is far from over, but with voices like Holliday, it will remain very much in the spotlight. With tamales, prayers, record-breaking speeches, and protests that community, whom she celebrates, is not just surviving; it is thriving.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
