In the bustling city of Los Angeles, a powerful protest art initiative, 'Am I Next?', has emerged as a bold statement against the backdrop of ICE raids and the erosion of civil liberties. The project, a collaboration between three prominent institutions, is a visual reminder of the vulnerability of everyday residents in the face of federal immigration enforcement. Each night, drivers on the 101 freeway are greeted by the striking black and white portraits of Angelenos, their faces illuminated with the question, 'Am I Next?'
The campaign, which began on November 6, is a response to the alarming rise in immigration raids and the detention of thousands of community members. It highlights the stories of ordinary people, including US citizens, who have been accosted and taken from their homes, cars, workplaces, and streets by federal agents. The project aims to address the fear and trauma experienced by millions since the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics began.
'Am I Next?' also raises a critical question: if fellow residents are arrested without regard for constitutional rights, who is truly safe? Miguel Santana, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation, reflects on the impact, stating, 'I carry my passport around, which I never imagined as a native Angeleno. I know people who are afraid to leave their homes, who don't go shopping at Home Depot – because it doesn't matter if you're a US citizen or not. We're putting up a mirror to what is happening.'
The project features the faces of well-known figures like Edward James Olmos, George Takei, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alongside dozens of other LA residents. Pulitzer-winning photographer Barbara Davidson captured the images, meeting subjects in neighborhoods like East LA, Venice, and Echo Park. Some were initially hesitant due to concerns about their immigration status, but many were eager to take a stand.
A dedicated website allows people to submit their own photos, fostering solidarity. The campaign is not just about the images; it's about the courage to confront authoritarianism. Santana emphasizes, 'Courage is the best antidote to authoritarianism.'
For the Japanese American community, the project holds a deeper significance. The Japanese American National Museum, a nightly canvas for protest art, was once the departure point for over 37,000 Japanese Americans bound for concentration camps during World War II. The museum's director, James Herr, notes the parallel between the xenophobia and racism faced by Japanese Americans and the current immigrant populations.
Nearby, the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes showcases a powerful exhibition, 'We Belong Here', featuring bold and colorful digital images and neon from 10 LA-based artists. This exhibition, along with the 'Am I Next?' project, aims to raise awareness and challenge the normalization of violent immigration enforcement. As the campaign continues, more institutions in Los Angeles and Long Beach plan to join, and colleagues in San Francisco and New York are inspired to replicate the initiative, ensuring that the message of resistance and solidarity resonates far and wide.
