Joy and Unity in Santa Ana: A Night of Celebration

Brenda Jaimes pushed through a jubilant crowd in downtown Santa Ana Thursday night. Standing in the center of Fourth Street, she shouted, “Me! Me!” to draw attention. Earlier that evening, Mexico had won 1-0 against South Korea in the World Cup. Jaimes, a 22-year-old resident of Santa Ana, joined thousands who filled local bars and restaurants to watch the game and then took to the streets to celebrate.

Fans erupted with chants of “México!” and “¡Sí se puede!” Horns blared and noisemakers filled the air. The Mexican flag appeared everywhere, from banners to face paint and even on Jaimes’ tube top. Revelers danced in the streets and on trucks. An Orange County Fire Authority truck passed by, its sirens met with cheers, while a line of vehicles cruised down Fourth Street, the cultural and economic heart of Latino Orange County, to high-fives and shaking hands.

Jaimes sought a more dramatic thrill. She lay in the arms of men wearing green Mexico soccer jerseys. They counted to three and launched her eight feet into the air before catching her laughter-filled descent. These celebrations happened across Southern California, in areas with large Latino populations.

Just a year prior, Fourth Street was empty. Immigration agents were conducting raids across the city and the National Guard had set up a roadblock nearby. Santa Ana, a predominantly Latino city, was gripped with fear. But now, it erupted in joy.

This is the antithesis of last year’s raids, said Sandra De Anda, wearing a Stetson and a Tigres soccer jersey while waving a South Korea flag. She directs policy and legal strategy at the Orange County Rapid Response Network. Last June, she joined many in marching against ICE and the National Guard’s presence in the city.

“They tried to take our community down, but we stood strong,” De Anda said. “Mexicans always fight back with pride. Tonight shows our resilience.”

Jaimes agreed, emphasizing the importance of celebration after the previous year’s turmoil. “We don’t care what Trump says,” she asserted. “This is real.” Others joined the festivities, celebrating a symbolic victory over adversity.

While cheering on cars, my hand turned black with soot. Mexico’s win was significant given the context. Trump’s presidency was filled with actions and rhetoric against Mexican immigrants. His harsh policies and remarks about Latin nations fueled resentment and resistance among the community.

Despite critics who bristle at Mexican Americans showing pride in their roots, fans cheered for their team. El Tri, Mexico’s soccer team, personifies the perseverance and spirit of being Mexican; always battling against odds but never giving up hope.

The celebrations in Santa Ana brought together Mexicans and people from other ethnicities. Sydney Tran, a Vietnamese resident, joined the vibrant procession in her Honda Civic. “This is crazy!” she exclaimed, noting the joy shared among her Mexican friends. “They deserve to be happy; it’s been tough for all immigrants.”

As festivities continued, restaurants that usually closed early remained open with lines out the door. Sidewalks turned into dance floors, and music filled the night air. Unlike the previous year, the police presence was absent during the joyous celebrations.

The future looks uncertain. Mexico’s win was hard-earned, and greater challenges like France and Argentina lie ahead in the World Cup. Trump’s immigration policies may continue their aggressive stance, but for one night, amidst the cheers and unity, hope prevailed. As the celebrations carried on, Mexican Americans found solace in victory and the possibility of better days. Sí se puede, indeed.