Cinco de Mayo Events Canceled for Fear of ICE Raids: ‘People Very Scared,’ ‘Thinking of Going Back to Mexico’

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride by many Mexican communities around the world. It commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, this year, the celebrations in some cities have been canceled or significantly scaled back due to fears of ICE raids and deportations.

The recent crackdown on undocumented immigrants by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has caused a wave of fear and uncertainty in many communities, particularly among the Hispanic population. This fear has led to the cancellation of several Cinco de Mayo events in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston.

The decision to cancel these events has been met with disappointment and sadness by many in the Mexican community. For them, Cinco de Mayo is not just a day to celebrate their heritage and culture, but also a way to come together and show their solidarity and strength as a community.

One of the main reasons for the cancellation of these events is the fear of ICE raids and deportations. Many undocumented immigrants are afraid to leave their homes and attend public events, for fear of being detained and deported. This fear has also affected businesses that rely on the Cinco de Mayo celebrations for their livelihood. With the cancellation of these events, they are facing significant losses.

In an interview with Breitbart, a business owner in Los Angeles expressed his concerns, saying, “People are very scared. They are thinking of going back to Mexico. They don’t want to be here anymore.” This sentiment is shared by many in the community who feel targeted and vulnerable in the current political climate.

The cancellation of these events not only affects the Mexican community but also has a broader impact on the city’s economy. Cinco de Mayo celebrations are known to bring in a significant amount of revenue through tourism and local businesses. With the cancellation of these events, the city will suffer financially.

Moreover, the cancellation of these events sends a negative message to the Mexican community. It makes them feel unwelcome and marginalized in a country that they have called home for many years. It also goes against the spirit of inclusivity and diversity that America prides itself on.

However, despite these challenges, there are still some cities that are determined to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and show their support for the Mexican community. In Santa Ana, California, the city council passed a resolution to declare itself a “sanctuary city” for undocumented immigrants. This decision has given the community a sense of security and has allowed them to continue with their Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

In Chicago, the city’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, has assured the community that the city will not cooperate with ICE and will protect its residents. She also encouraged people to come out and celebrate Cinco de Mayo, saying, “We want to make sure that people feel welcome and safe in our city.”

It is heartening to see that despite the fear and uncertainty, there are still cities and leaders who are standing up for the rights of the Mexican community. They understand the importance of celebrating Cinco de Mayo and the impact it has on the community.

In the face of adversity, it is essential to come together and support one another. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of resilience and determination, qualities that the Mexican community has shown time and time again. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we can overcome them together.

As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year, let us not forget the struggles and sacrifices of the Mexican community. Let us show our support and solidarity by attending the celebrations and standing up against any form of discrimination or injustice. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.