CHICAGO — Chicago’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade has been canceled due to concerns over immigration policies, according to WLS-TV, an ABC affiliate in Chicago.
The parade, which was scheduled to take place next month in the city’s Little Village neighborhood, was called off by the Casa Puebla & Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. Organizers cited fear in the Mexican community stemming from immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
“Our people are scared,” Hector Escobar, president of the organization, said. “It’s not much to celebrate,” he told ABC7 Chicago.
The event has a history of disruptions. It was not held from 2018 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and disagreements between organizers and the city. Last year, it was rerouted after police cited concerns over gang violence, which led to several arrests.
Organizers said they hope to bring the event back next year, depending on the political climate.