Brenda Jaimes made her presence known among a jubilant crowd in downtown Santa Ana on Thursday night by shouting, “Me! Me!” An hour before, Mexico had defeated South Korea 1-0 in the World Cup. Jaimes, a 22-year-old resident, joined thousands who visited local bars and restaurants to watch the match, bursting into the streets to celebrate afterward.
Fans filled the air with sounds of horns and noisemakers, chanting “México!” and “¡Sí se puede!” Mexican flags were everywhere – on banners, painted on cheeks, and even on Jaimes’ tube top. People danced on the backs of trucks, while an Orange County Fire Authority truck flashed its siren to cheers. Drivers cruised down Fourth Street, the cultural and economic heart of Latino Orange County, giving high-fives and letting the crowd shake their cars.
Jaimes sought something more thrilling. She lay down in the arms of several men wearing Mexico soccer jerseys, who counted to three and launched her into the air, effortlessly catching her as she laughed.
Similar scenes played out across Southern California after the match, in places like Koreatown, Boyle Heights, Pacoima, and Huntington Park, communities with large Latino populations. Such celebrations occur whenever Mexico has a significant win in soccer, but the revelry was especially pronounced in Santa Ana. A year ago, the atmosphere was starkly different when immigration agents conducted raids, and the National Guard set up a roadblock near Fourth Street.
Santa Ana, one of the most Latino big cities in the U.S., had trembled in fear but erupted in joy on Thursday night. Sandra De Anda, sporting a Stetson and a Tigres Mexican soccer jersey, commented, “This is the antithesis of last year’s raids.” De Anda and the Orange County Rapid Response Network fought against immigration enforcement actions throughout 2025, supporting immigrant detainees and their families.
“They tried to take our community down, but they had no chance,” De Anda continued. “We Mexicans always face challenges, but we have pride. Tonight shows how we stand strong when needed.” Jaimes echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of celebration, especially after the previous year.
The unity and joy in the celebration were palpable. While some may not understand why Mexican Americans support Mexico’s soccer team, it is about representing resilience and pride. There is hope that the enthusiasm will translate to political action in upcoming elections.
Sydney Tran, a 23-year-old from Westminster, joined in the festivities, her Honda Civic packed with friends swaying through the crowd. Although she is Vietnamese, Tran expressed joy in seeing her Mexican friends so happy, acknowledging the challenges immigrants face.
Despite the festive atmosphere, there remains an awareness of the challenges ahead. Mexico’s upcoming matches in the World Cup present daunting odds, and immigration raids persist under current policies. Yet, for one night, Mexican Americans found a sense of hope and community, escaping reality through celebration. As the festivities continued late into the night, it was a reminder that, at least for a moment, there was joy and a belief in a better future. Sí se puede, indeed.