California Designer Addresses Trump-Led ICE Raids with Statement at Paris Fashion Week

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California Designer Addresses Trump-Led ICE Raids with Statement at Paris Fashion Week

Fashion designer Willy Chavarria made a powerful statement about the Trump-led ICE raids targeting his home state of California during his runway show at Paris Fashion Week.

Fashion as Activism: The Powerful Display

Chavarria’s runway show featured 35 male models who wore shaved heads and baggy white t-shirts, kneeling with their heads down and hands behind their backs.

The visual echoed the haunting images of prisoners in El Salvador, who had been detained earlier in the year as part of a controversial immigration crackdown.

As the models kneeled, the iconic song “California Dreamin’” by José Feliciano played in the background, amplifying the somber tone of the presentation.

Chavarria’s fashion was a direct statement about the dehumanization of immigrants and the harsh treatment they endure in the United States under policies like ICE raids.

A Message of Resistance

The models wore white t-shirts created in collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Printed on the shirts was the bold message: “The ACLU dares to create a more perfect union — beyond one person, party or side,” emphasizing the designer’s support for human rights and social justice.

According to a Chavarria press release, the intention behind the display was to highlight the dehumanization of immigrants, referencing the mistreatment that many face in detention centers.

The Backstory: El Salvador and U.S. Immigration Policies

Earlier this year, the Trump administration deported 200 Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador, accusing them of gang involvement.

However, human rights organizations have raised concerns about the conditions at the CECOT prison in El Salvador, where the detainees were sent, including allegations of torture and other abuses.

The images of these prisoners sparked global outrage, and Chavarria’s runway show was his way of using fashion as a platform to stand in solidarity with the immigrants.

Read Also: New York Police Clarify Policy Change, No More Stops for This Violation

Backlash from El Salvador’s Government

The political statement did not go unnoticed. El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, reportedly threatened to send the detained prisoners to Paris Fashion Week, accusing Chavarria of trying to “glorify criminality” with his artistic statement.

However, as of June 29, it appeared that Bukele had not followed through on his threat.

Fashion with a Purpose

Chavarria’s runway show is a prime example of how the fashion industry is increasingly becoming a stage for activism.

His powerful display drew attention to the real-world issues of immigration and human rights, connecting fashion to social justice in a way that resonated far beyond the catwalk.

What do you think of Chavarria’s statement at Paris Fashion Week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more updates on this story and other social justice movements, visit ridgecrestpact.org.

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Doris Oliver

Doris Oliver is a proud Ridgecrest native with a deep passion for bringing local stories to light. With over 2 years of experience in community reporting, Doris has built a trusted voice in the Community. Her work focuses on covering the issues that matter most to Ridgecrest residents — from public safety and education to local government and community events. Driven by a belief that informed citizens make stronger communities, Doris is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news. Through ridgecrestpact.org, she aims to bridge the gap between people and the stories shaping their everyday lives — making local news accessible, engaging, and meaningful.

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