What was supposed to be a joyous Sweet 16 celebration in the style of a traditional quinceañera turned into a painful reminder of the fear gripping immigrant communities.
For 16-year-old Denise Alvarez, her long-anticipated birthday party was nearly empty—only about 40 of the 200 invited guests showed up.
According to Denise and her mother, Maria Alvarez, many of the invited guests chose not to attend after reports of recent immigration enforcement activity in the area sparked fear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers might show up.
“I envisioned it as people showing up and loud,” Denise told NBC Los Angeles in a segment that has since gone viral. She had dreamed of her big day for years and selected a glittering green ballgown fit for the traditional quinceañera celebration, a Latino cultural rite of passage marking a girl’s transition into womanhood.
Maria Alvarez said she poured over $15,000 into the party, covering a banquet hall, food, music, decorations, and party favors. But she said after reports of ICE operations nearby, fear rippled through their predominantly Latino community, causing many to stay away out of concern for their safety.
“Our communities are being traumatized,” Maria said, noting that more than $10,000 of food and supplies went to waste.
The party’s emptiness was captured in a now-viral video posted by Jasmine Piceno, a bartender who worked the event. In the video, Denise sits quietly among rows of empty chairs—a striking image that has resonated widely online.
The incident sheds light on the broader emotional and economic toll immigration enforcement has on U.S. communities. While ICE has denied targeting events or individuals without cause, the persistent fear of sudden deportations and surveillance has led many immigrant families to live in a near-constant state of vigilance.
Despite the disappointment, Denise said she felt supported by the few who did come, and hopes people understand the broader context.
“It’s not that they didn’t care,” she said. “It’s that they were scared.”
