Saturday, July 5, 2025

US is set to experience record-breaking Independence Day travel, with more than 72 million Americans expected to take to the roads and skies, even as cities across California—including Los Angeles, El Sereno, and Bell Gardens—cancel celebrations in response to widespread immigration raids. At the same time, protests are being planned in Houston, Texas and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where activists aim to use the holiday to challenge federal policies and show solidarity with vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, fireworks retailers nationwide are voicing concern over steep Chinese import tariffs that threaten the affordability of backyard displays and future celebrations, casting a shadow over one of the nation’s most iconic traditions.

While a record number of people are packing their bags and hitting the road to celebrate Independence Day, others are calling off parades, skipping fireworks, or getting ready to raise protest signs instead of flags. And somewhere in the middle of it all, fireworks retailers are bracing for the financial blow of yet another tariff hike.

It’s shaping up to be one of the most complicated Fourth of Julys in recent memory — a moment of joy for many, and a moment of pause for plenty more.

If there’s one thing that isn’t in doubt this holiday, it’s the sheer number of people traveling. According to AAA, more than 72 million Americans plan to travel at least 50 miles away from home during the Independence Day stretch. That’s the biggest number they’ve ever recorded for the holiday.

Most of that traffic will be on the road. About 62 million people are expected to drive, even with gas prices slightly higher than earlier in the summer. Still, they’re cheaper than they were a few years ago, which has helped fuel the boom in road trips.

And it’s not just the highways that are busy. Airports are filling up too. Nearly 6 million passengers are expected to take to the skies this week — the busiest July 4th travel period in over 15 years.

Meanwhile, in parts of California, especially across Los Angeles County, things look very different.

Some communities are calling off parades and public events altogether. The reason? Immigration raids. The fear they’ve sparked is keeping people indoors and off the streets, even on a day meant for national pride.

Take El Sereno, for example — a tight-knit, mostly Latino neighborhood in East LA. Every year, the community puts together a local parade. This year? Canceled. After immigration agents were spotted conducting raids nearby, over 90% of participants pulled out. The message from the community was clear: it’s not safe.

And it’s not just El Sereno. Suburbs like Bell Gardens have also scrapped their events. Even in Lakewood, where people usually gather with neighbors to grill and shoot off fireworks, some families are opting to keep it low-key this time around.

There’s patriotism in these neighborhoods, no question. But there’s also fear. And for many, that fear is stronger right now than the urge to celebrate.

While some towns are going quiet, others are getting louder.

In , a demonstration is planned during a naturalization ceremony to show support for new citizens. It’s not an angry protest — more like a show of unity. Still, it speaks to a growing unease about where the country is heading.

In , the tone will be more direct. Thousands are expected to rally outside City Hall, protesting not just immigration raids but also broader federal policies tied to healthcare and civil rights.

Groups like Women’s March are helping organize these efforts. And they’re not just showing up with slogans — they’re asking Americans to imagine what a truly free country would look like. For them, this year’s Independence Day isn’t just about what was declared in 1776. It’s about what still needs to be fought for in 2025.

And then there’s the fireworks.

Most of the fireworks Americans buy — whether for backyard fun or big city displays — come from China. And thanks to ongoing trade tensions, the cost of importing them has skyrocketed. Earlier this year, tariffs reached a staggering 145%. They’ve since dropped to 30% after a temporary 90-day pause, but the damage is already being felt.

For now, city-run fireworks shows are mostly safe. Those orders were placed months ago. But smaller retailers? They’re feeling the squeeze. Many are absorbing the added cost this year just to stay competitive, but they admit that won’t be sustainable for long.

Looking ahead to next year, when the U.S. turns 250, some in the industry are worried. Towns across America will want to go big — but if tariffs stay high, those celebrations might be harder to pull off.

The United States is set for record-breaking Independence Day travel as over 72 million Americans hit the road, while cities in California like Los Angeles, El Sereno, and Bell Gardens cancel events over immigration raids, protests are planned in Houston, Texas and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and fireworks tariffs on Chinese imports raise nationwide concern.

In the end, this year’s Fourth of July isn’t one story — it’s a bunch of them, all happening at once.

Some families are road-tripping across states to reconnect with loved ones. Others are skipping the cookouts entirely. Some are lighting fireworks under clear skies. Others are marching under protest banners. And in California, where the fear of federal agents looms large, entire neighborhoods are staying quiet.

Independence, it turns out, isn’t one-size-fits-all. This year, it’s being expressed in a thousand different ways — in movement, in silence, in celebration, and in dissent.

And maybe that’s the most American thing of all.

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