Cinco de Mayo parade in Chicago’s Little Village canceled again over immigration concerns

CHICAGO (WGN) — Immigration fears have once again caused the cancellation of the Cinco de Mayo parade and festivities in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, organizers announced Monday.

Addressing the decision to cancel the parade for a second consecutive year, the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce — which has been running the Cinco de Mayo parade in Little Village for the past 40 years — and Casa Puebla said the move is in light of ongoing immigration enforcement actions and the threat of raids.

“Given these circumstances, members of our community have understandably withdrawn from public gatherings and celebrations,” Hector Escobar, the president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla, said.

The community leader echoes his sentiments from last year: “There is nothing to celebrate.”

Escobar added: “We remain hopeful that conditions will improve in the future, allowing us to once again come together in celebration of 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........

© The Hill