Padilla Ditches Home Depot Sponsorship Amid Immigration Concerns

Councilwoman Imelda Padilla is backing out of a sponsorship with Home Depot for the El Grito celebration after facing criticism from activists. The event, which celebrates Latino heritage and independence, was set to take place at City Hall on September 16th.

In a statement posted on social media, Padilla acknowledged the concerns raised by community members regarding Home Depot's involvement in the event. She apologized for the distress caused by featuring the company, given its history of being used as a site for federal immigration enforcement actions.

Home Depot has maintained that it does not cooperate with ICE or Border Patrol on immigration enforcement activities. However, the company has been criticized in the past for installing machines at some of its store parking lots that emit a high-pitched tone to prevent overnight parking.