HOT WHEELS MELT ICE: SKATERS RIDE FOR IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

Recently, the Trump administration has significantly ramped up ICE raids across the country—targeting workplaces, public spaces, schools, hospitals, and outdoor areas previously deemed “sensitive locations.” These operations have led to thousands of arrests, including individuals without criminal records, stoking widespread fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. California has borne the brunt of this enforcement push. Cities like Pico Rivera, Hollywood, and South and Central L.A. have been identified as hotspots, with agents reportedly operating in unmarked vehicles and civilian clothing—deepening the trauma and distrust in immigrant neighborhoods. Many of those affected by the raids are now facing urgent financial strain, having lost income, legal stability, or even housing, and are in critical need of community support, resources, and solidarity.

On Friday evening, skaters, music fans, and community advocates converged at the Redondo Beach Skatepark for Hot Wheels Melt ICE, a grassroots fundraising event hosted by Softies and musician Cuco. The goal: to skate together in solidarity and raise funds for families affected by ICE raids. There were no corporate sponsors, no big banners, no stage. Instead, there was community.

The community-led event kicked off at 6 p.m., welcoming riders of all skill levels. What unfolded felt less like a formal fundraiser and more like a massive hangout of friends, united by shared purpose and joy. The meetup began with skaters gathering at the park, where they spent time practicing tricks, hyping each other up, and getting to know one another. As the energy built and connections formed, the crew prepared to ride. At 7 p.m. sharp, the group pushed off for a 10-mile journey—five miles to the Manhattan Beach Pier and five miles back—turning the South Bay’s coastal roads into a moving act of protest and support.

Participants were encouraged to donate what they could ($1, $5, or more per mile) with all proceeds benefiting Raises con Voz, a Latino-led public health collective providing critical resources to immigrant families. From groceries to baby formula, these essentials often become lifelines for households navigating the devastating aftermath of ICE raids. On-site volunteers made donating simple, with a donation box available throughout the event.

After the ride, Cuco capped the evening with a heartfelt thank-you, handing out vinyl records and raffling off skate gear—including decks, trucks, and wheels he personally brought for the occasion.

Hot Wheels Melt ICE was about showing up for the community in a real, tangible way. At the same time, it had the feel of a laid-back night—friends skating together for something that mattered. The event wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It succeeded because it was real—real people showing up, not just with their voices, but with their bodies, their dollars, and their hearts.

It showed that activism doesn’t always look like protest signs or podiums. Sometimes, it looks like wheels on pavement and a community moving forward together. Whether there to skate, support, or simply vibe, everyone left with a sense of connection and a reminder that activism can be joyful, too.

For those who missed the event but want to contribute, donations to Raises con Voz can still be made through their Instagram and will remain open until August 1, 2025.

Written and photographed by: Ana Oquendo