Chicago’s vibrant and long-standing Cinco de Mayo Parade has been cancelled this year, and the reason has sparked heartbreak, outrage, and debate across the city. The decision, announced by organizers on Thursday, stems from deep concerns about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity supported by Donald Trump, targeting the city’s immigrant communities.
The parade, a fixture in the city’s cultural calendar and a beloved celebration of Mexican heritage, was scheduled to take place on Chicago’s Southwest Side. But amid increasing fear of immigration raids tied to the Trump administration’s renewed push for mass deportations, organizers say safety must come first.
“Our people are scared,” said Hector Escobar, President of the Casa Puebla & Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. “Some of them don’t even want to go to work. They feel like they’re being hunted.”
Fear Replaces Festivity
The parade’s cancellation is a devastating blow to many in Chicago’s Mexican American community. What began as a commemoration of the 1862 Battle of Puebla has evolved into a proud celebration of culture, history, and identity. But this year, many would-be attendees are choosing to stay home out of fear they could be detained or deported.
Chicago, a designated sanctuary city, has long positioned itself as a place of protection for immigrants, regardless of legal status. However, recent threats from federal officials and reports of raids have shaken that sense of security. Community members are worried that the parade could become a trap, drawing out undocumented individuals and making them vulnerable to arrest.
Escobar made it clear that the decision wasn’t about money or logistics. “We had enough sponsors. We could’ve made it work,” he said. “But it’s about safety. We don’t want people to come celebrate and end up in custody.”
ICE Raids Spark Tension Across the City
The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a cornerstone of its policy agenda. Since the start of Trump’s second term, Chicago has faced increased scrutiny. According to organizers, ICE activity has stretched from the city into surrounding suburbs, creating a climate of fear that extends beyond just parade day.
Tom Homan, Trump’s so-called “border czar” and former acting head of ICE, previously named Chicago as a top priority for enforcement actions. At a political event in December, Homan issued a stern warning to local leaders: support the raids or get out of the way. “If your mayor or governor won’t help, then don’t interfere,” he said.
The threat felt real to many. In January, multiple reports surfaced of workplaces, stores, and even churches appearing unusually empty. In Joliet, a factory that typically sees 40 to 50 workers per shift had only 10 show up. Community members described eerily quiet streets and parking lots, even at places like Home Depot and Walmart that typically bustle with day laborers and shoppers.
A History of Setbacks
This isn’t the first time Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Parade has been put on hold. It was cancelled from 2018 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and internal disagreements between organizers and city officials. Last year’s parade also faced unexpected disruption due to a flare-up of gang violence that forced a reroute and ended in several arrests.
Still, the hope had been that 2025 would mark a strong return. Instead, the parade is once again off the calendar—this time due to fears far more personal and immediate.
Looking Ahead
While there is no clear answer as to whether the parade will resume next year, organizers are cautiously optimistic—though they say it depends on what happens with federal immigration policy.
“At this point, we don’t know what’s going to happen next year,” Escobar admitted. “If the deportations continue like this, we’ll have to make the same choice again.”
For now, what was meant to be a joyful day of culture and community has turned into a painful reminder of the fear and uncertainty many immigrant families live with every day.
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