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3mo ago

Fourth of July Celebrations Blend Record Travel and Naturalizations With Political Divisions

Federal immigration raids prompted over 260 ‘Free America’ protests, followed by parade cancellations nationwide, highlighting deep partisan disagreements

An original copy of the Declaration of Independence on display in 2000. (BANG archive)
Image
The committee chosen to draft a declaration of independence for the 13 North American British colonies is shown at work in this 19th century engraving. The five members are (from left) Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On July 1, 1776, the committee submitted their draft to the Continental Congress, which voted on July 2 for final separation, and approved and formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

Overview

  • Millions of Americans logged record travel over the holiday weekend, straining roads, airports and rail services.
  • Celebrations featured parades such as Bristol’s historic procession, the Wawa Welcome America festival in Philadelphia, backyard barbecues, concerts and fireworks displays.
  • Naturalization ceremonies at historic sites, notably at Mount Vernon, welcomed hundreds of new citizens taking oaths beneath American flags.
  • Women’s March–led organizers held more than 260 “Free America” demonstrations to protest the administration’s immigration and healthcare policies.
  • Several Latino-majority neighborhoods in Los Angeles canceled scheduled parades after aggressive federal immigration sweeps underscored community fears.