The traditional Cinco de Mayo parade and festivities in Chicago’s Mexican neighborhood of La Villita were suspended for the second consecutive year due to fears in the community over immigration raids ordered by the Donald Trump administration.
Organizers from the Cermak Street Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla reported Monday that the community is fearful and continues to avoid public meetings in the face of the possibility that the federal government could repeat the aggressive detention and deportation campaign of Operation Midway Blitz, which was carried out last year when it took office for a second term.
Amidst fear and uncertainty, the community avoids meeting
“The decision is given due to the great challenges that continue to face our Mexican community in this administration.”
“Many families are afraid and uncertain due to increased immigration operations and threats of raids,” a statement said.
He adds that in the immigrant community “there is nothing to celebrate” and that it is understandable that people do not want to gather in public spaces.
During the operation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol, Chicago and its suburbs were targeted by masked federal agents.
They detained residents and, on occasion, used chemical irritants such as tear gas.
Protests and tension mark Cinco de Mayo
The community is afraid and continues to avoid gatherings
QuéOnnda.com
This prompted widespread protests that were severely repressed in Latino communities such as La Villita, Pilsen, Las Empacadoras and others in the southwest part of the city.
Chicago’s cancelled Cinco de Mayo parade, which usually draws thousands of people, celebrates Mexico’s victory over Napoleon III’s French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
“We remain hopeful that conditions will improve, allowing us to gather again to celebrate our culture and traditions.”
“We look forward to continuing the Cinco de Mayo festivities for many years to come, when our community can do so safely and with peace of mind,” the statement concluded.
With information from EFE
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