Chicago’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade on Cermak Road has been canceled this year, with organizers pointing to rising fear in the Mexican community due to federal immigration policies.
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For years, the parade has been held the Little Village neighborhood, which is known to be a major hub for Mexican culture and cuisine.
According to ABC News, Hector Escobar, the president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla along with other organizers have chosen to cancel this year’s event due to concerns over how the Trump administration is treating the Mexican community.
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“Our community is very frightened because of the raids and the threat that ICE has imposed on the families that work tirelessly to provide a better future for their kids,” the statement read. “Our community has faced bullying and prosecution and are not indulging in community activities, therefore we feel that there is nothing to celebrate.”
Organizers say they are planning for the event’s return next year but are prepared to cancel if changes within Trump’s immigration policies don’t happen.
