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Credit: Patrick Nguyen on UnsplashLate last night, a reported protest against ICE raids took place near Disneyland Resort, causing a significant disruption in the area and leading to an increased police and security presence.
The protest, which unfolded not far from the park, quickly garnered attention from guests at the resort, some of whom were left shaken by the experience. While the protest was reportedly peaceful, some families are speaking out about how the situation affected their children, who had just finished a magical day at the park.
Not So Magical…
According to one parent who shared their experience on social media, the protest took them by surprise. “It was an ICE protest. Walked through it tonight to get to my hotel. Scared the sh*t out of my kids, but everyone was peaceful. They marched up a block and dispersed,” they stated, explaining that while the demonstration itself did not escalate into violence, the sight of a large group marching near the resort left their children feeling frightened.
The protest, which was in response to ongoing ICE raids, gathered individuals who marched peacefully through the area before dispersing a short time later. However, for many families who had just exited the park after a long day of fun, the presence of riot police, security personnel, and large crowds was jarring and unsettling.
Disneyland Resort has long been known for offering families an immersive and joyful experience, but this incident served as a reminder that the area surrounding the park is not always immune to outside events. Families who were simply trying to return to their hotels were forced to navigate the protest, with some describing it as an overwhelming experience after a day of happiness and excitement at the resort.
Is This Protest Inappropriate?
Many parents expressed their disappointment over the timing of the protest, feeling that their children should not have been exposed to such a tense and politically charged situation. While most reports indicate the protest remained peaceful and did not escalate into violence, the presence of law enforcement and the uncertainty of the situation were enough to cause distress for those caught in the middle.
Disneyland Resort itself did not immediately comment on the incident, but guests who were impacted have raised concerns about the lack of communication surrounding such disruptions, especially when families are at the forefront of the experience.
In the end, though the protest was a peaceful demonstration, the emotional impact on some families is a reminder of how events outside the park’s walls can sometimes seep into the magical world Disney strives to create.
As the city continues to navigate such protests, the hope is that future events will be handled in a way that ensures guests, especially young children, feel safe and protected during their visit to one of the most iconic theme parks in the world.