Day laborers in Cypress Park, Los Angeles, have raised their voices against high-pitched noise machines installed outside a Home Depot store, alleging that these devices are intended to drive them away from the area.The controversy has sparked protests and calls for a boycott of the retailer, as advocates claim the noise has caused significant physical discomfort among workers who rely on the location for employment opportunities.
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abc7.comfoxla.comThe noise machines, reportedly installed in late November, emit a piercing sound that many day laborers describe as unbearable.Jose De La Torre, a day laborer with 25 years of experience in the area, stated that the noise "penetrates your bones" and has forced him to wear earplugs while waiting for work.
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latimes.comtheguardian.comHe expressed frustration over the added challenges of finding employment amid ongoing immigration raids and the disruptive noise.
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abc7.comThe Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA), a nonprofit organization supporting day laborers, has been vocal in its opposition to the machines.During a recent press conference, IDEPSCA's executive director, Maegan Ortiz, called for their removal and urged Home Depot to take a stand against the immigration enforcement actions occurring in its parking lots.
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latimes.comtheguardian.comOrtiz emphasized that the community will not be intimidated by these measures, stating, "We're not going to let sound machines, gates, and intimidation get rid of us.".
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theguardian.comHome Depot has responded to the allegations, asserting that the noise machines are part of localized safety measures aimed at deterring illegal overnight parking and ensuring the safety of the infrastructure due to the store's proximity to a Caltrans facility.
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abc7.comfoxla.comA spokesperson for the company denied any connection between the noise devices and immigration enforcement, stating, "To say that we are cooperating with these immigration enforcement activities is just false.".
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theguardian.comDespite the company's claims, many community members and advocates argue that the timing of the installation—shortly after a significant ICE raid at the location—suggests a deliberate attempt to push day laborers away.
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latimes.comlataco.comThe Cypress Park Home Depot has been a frequent target for immigration enforcement, with reports indicating that around 50 individuals have been detained there this year alone.
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latimes.comtheguardian.comThe noise machines, described as "anti-loitering devices," are mounted on light poles in the parking lot and are said to emit sounds that can cause headaches, nausea, and dizziness among those exposed to them.
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lataco.comfoxla.comCritics have labeled the use of such devices as dehumanizing, arguing that they are a form of torture against vulnerable populations seeking work.
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foxla.comCommunity members have also expressed concern over the broader implications of these actions, highlighting the reliance of Home Depot on immigrant labor for its operations.One protester remarked, "As a Hispanic, all the Hispanics are basically building Home Depot.They're building a fortune, and for Home Depot not protecting the people that are making them, that's wrong.".
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foxla.comThe situation has drawn the attention of local city officials, who are expected to continue their involvement as protests escalate.Activists are calling for a boycott of Home Depot, urging customers to reconsider their shopping choices in light of the company's treatment of day laborers.
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abc7.comfoxla.comAs the protests continue, the future of the noise machines and the ongoing relationship between Home Depot and the day laborer community remains uncertain.Advocates are determined to fight against what they perceive as unjust practices, emphasizing the need for solidarity and support for immigrant workers in the face of adversity.
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latimes.comtheguardian.comThe Cypress Park Home Depot has become a focal point for discussions about immigration enforcement and the treatment of day laborers, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in communities where economic necessity meets systemic challenges.
