CNN: Fears of ICE Raids Prompt Cancellations of Cinco de Mayo Events Across U.S.

WASHINGTON — Several U.S. cities have canceled or downsized cultural festivals amid growing concerns that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may target attendees, especially undocumented immigrants, according to a report made by liberal network CNN. 

In Chicago, organizers of the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration in the Little Village neighborhood—which typically draws up to 300,000 attendees—called off the event, citing heightened fears following federal immigration crackdowns, CNN reported. Similar cancellations occurred in Philadelphia, where El Carnaval de Puebla was scrapped, and in Oregon, where the annual Latino Fest in Madras was also called off.

Organizers and advocacy groups report that many Latino residents, regardless of immigration status, are avoiding public gatherings out of fear of ICE raids, detention, and deportation. Some say people are even afraid to attend church or take their children to school.

ICE has arrested nearly 66,500 undocumented immigrants and removed about 65,600 in President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office, according to federal data. Trump authorized ICE to target “sanctuary” cities and places such as churches and schools for enforcement, often based on alleged gang affiliations.

“We don’t want to take a chance and put our community at risk,” Hector Escobar, president of the Casa Puebla and Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, told CNN. “It’s a loss economically, but we put safety over money.”

UnidosUS, the country’s largest Latino civil rights group, found that 43% of Latino voters fear ICE could detain people—even U.S. citizens. The organization noted that 80% of Latinos living in the U.S. are legal citizens.

The growing unease has also affected Juneteenth celebrations. In New Jersey, Reggie Johnson, president of the NAACP Metuchen Edison Piscataway Area Branch, said he had to relocate his Juneteenth event after federal site staff expressed concern the celebration was a banned Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) event. In Denver, the Juneteenth Music Festival was reduced to one day after sponsors pulled out with little explanation.

Organizers say the uncertainty and enforcement environment are making it increasingly difficult to safely host inclusive cultural events.