As immigration enforcement operations continue to sweep Los Angeles, many families are approaching this Father’s Day with a mix of pride, uncertainty or absence.
Leading up to the holiday, emotional video tributes posted by children of immigrant fathers have gained traction on social media. Some show recent graduates placing their caps, gowns or sashes on their fathers as a symbol of gratitude, while others capture heartfelt messages side-by-side.
We asked Eastside community members to share reflections on the legacy of immigrant fathers. Here’s what they told us.
“My dad, like most immigrants, struggled working low-wage jobs in restaurants here in L.A. But he was determined and resilient…”
Roxana Dueñas
By Roxana Dueñas of East L.A.
“My dad, Angel, is now disabled but worked as a cook for 30 years and lives in East L.A. He came to the U.S. in 1980 in search of better work opportunities and to follow his dad, who was a bracero here.
My dad, like most immigrants, struggled working low-wage jobs in restaurants here in L.A. But he was determined and resilient with an incomparable work ethic and a deep value for education. He always instilled in his children the value of hard work, education and pride in our roots. It was out of sheer luck that he was granted amnesty under the Reagan administration. I still remember helping him study for his citizenship test.
The current treatment of our most vulnerable community members should enrage us all. Immigration reform, like amnesty, or a legitimate path to citizenship that is not racist or classist but rooted in dignity, compassion, and humanity would benefit us all.
I feel fortunate to be raised by a father who has always been generous with the little that he’s had. That’s why I feel so deeply for those suffering under these xenophobic and cruel practices.”
“Even now, as a U.S. citizen, he understands the struggle of being an immigrant and sees himself in the journeys of millions of others.”
Armando velez
By Armando Velez of Boyle Heights
“My dad arrived in Los Angeles in 1974 at just 18 years old, leaving behind his small hometown of El Grullo, Jalisco. Like so many immigrants before him, he came to this country in search of work and the chance to build a better life. With nothing but determination and a dream, he worked hard, never gave up, and built himself up from nothing. Today, at 69, he owns a roofing company — a reflection of his resilience, sacrifice and strength.
What I admire most is that hard work wasn’t the only thing my dad taught us. Through his example, he showed us compassion, empathy and grit. As an immigrant, he not only built a life for our family — he literally put roofs over thousands of people’s heads. Even now, as a U.S. citizen, he understands the struggle of being an immigrant and sees himself in the journeys of millions of others.
My dad’s legacy is one of courage, hope and kindness — the kind that opens doors not just for his children, but for future generations. It’s the quiet but powerful legacy that so many immigrant fathers leave behind.”
“He made an impact for the community of East Los, and the generations he bore continue to carry that impact in so many ways.
laura tejeda
By Laura Tejeda of East L.A.
“My dad was born in East L.A. but mi abuelo, Francisco Tejeda, was the one who started our legacy in East Los Angeles. He was from a pueblo in Jalisco, Mexico. He worked as a bracero with his brother, was deported and still worked hard. He came back and built generational wealth for my family. He met my grandmother, also an immigrant from Mexico, at Grand Central Market. Their love grew all over L.A. They raised a family of educators, professors, creatives, musicians and most importantly a hardworking, tough family who is proud to come from immigrants. He died when I was in high school but he made an impact for the community of East Los, and the generations he bore continue to carry that impact in so many ways.
I’m disgusted with the way the [Trump] administration demonizes and antagonizes people who have migrated to contribute and make our communities beautiful. Without immigrants, the U.S. would lack sazón! And a reminder that immigrant communities are more than their labor contributions.”
“My dad was forced to leave his country due to the violence and the war crimes the government was doing in his country. He came to America in order to survive.”
Michelle Benavides
By Michelle Benavides of Boyle Heights
“My dad, Agustin, now 70 years old, was a hotel bus boy and a union member. We’ve been living in Boyle Heights for over 27 years. He came to Los Angeles in 1979 due to the Salvadorian Civil War. My dad was forced to leave his country due to the violence and the war crimes the government was committing. He came to America in order to survive. Although, he struggled navigating though many obstacles in America, he has always pushed through the hardships.
My dad also takes great pride in his work ethic; he even won employee of the year at his job. My sibling and I got our work-hard mentality from him.
I don’t take my parents journey, struggles and efforts for granted. They sacrificed so much for my sister and I to have a chance of a better future. They taught us to never be ashamed of where we come from. To always represent and remember your roots because that’s how you stay grounded and true to yourself.
It is horrifying to see how this current administration is treating our immigrant community and our BIPOC citizens. We are being profiled and this administration is painting a false narrative of us in order to divide our nation. We are humans beings, we are fathers, daughters, families, and we are who makes our country great.”
Boyle Heights Beat Social Media Producer Jackie Ramirez contributed to this story.
