Why did Esperanza and her family wave to Louie's cousin as he was taken away by police?

Lucy's cousin is admired by Esperanza and her family for his boldness, as he is seen as someone who embodies a certain bravado and charm. His actions, which lead to his arrest, also reflect a complex mixture of admiration and disapproval in the community. This moment serves to highlight the contradictory feelings that individuals often have towards those who take risks or defy societal norms, particularly within the context of their neighborhood.

The waved farewell is not merely a gesture of comfort or shame; instead, it is an acknowledgment of the daring spirit that Louie's cousin represents, even in the face of legal ramifications. This reflects the intricate dynamics of admiration and reality within Esperanza's world, where she grapples with the implications of such behavior while also sensing an allure to it.