Which US Cities Canceled Cinco de Mayo Parades Amid Immigration Crackdown

Newsweek

04-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Several major cities have canceled Cinco de Mayo celebrations because of increasing fears over President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration.
Why It Matters
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates Mexico's victory over Napoleon III's French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It has become a significant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States.
Trump, who returned to office in January, has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history, and his hard-line immigration crackdown has sparked fear within migrant communities.
Folklorico dancers from the group Viva Mexico performing their routine during a Cinco de Mayo celebration and mixer hosted by the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in...
Folklorico dancers from the group Viva Mexico performing their routine during a Cinco de Mayo celebration and mixer hosted by the Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Texas on May 5, 2021. More
Odessa American via AP/Eli Hartman
What To Know
In Chicago, the annual Cinco de Mayo parade, which historically attracts thousands of revelers to the city's vibrant Pilsen neighborhood, was officially called off after city officials expressed concerns about the safety of participants.
In south Philadelphia, the Carnaval de Puebla parade, which has been celebrated for decades, was also canceled amid fears of aggressive immigration enforcement.
The cancellations come as Immigration and Customs Enforcement ramps up deportation efforts to carry out stricter immigration policies nationwide.
In Flint, Michigan, local authorities canceled Saturday's celebrations because of weather concerns.
The annual celebration—which was set to feature live music, authentic Mexican food, a mariachi band, family-friendly activities and vendors—was scheduled from noon to 8 p.m. on May 3 in Brush Park, hosted by the Latinx Technology and Community Center.
Detroit has resisted calls to cancel its Cinco de Mayo parade. Organizers in the city say they are determined to continue with the celebration despite fears of ICE enforcement. The city's parade is set to take place in southwest Detroit, a historically Latino neighborhood, with local leaders emphasizing the importance of cultural expression and community solidarity.
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, two cities known for their large Latino populations, have similarly vowed to keep their Cinco de Mayo celebrations intact. Despite fears of deportation raids, both cities are proceeding with their parades, though organizers are making additional safety measures available to protect participants.
What People Are Saying
Hector Escobar, the president of Casa Puebla and the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, told the Chicago Sun-Times: "People are afraid. They're afraid to even go to work."
He told ABC 7: "See, some of them, they don't even want to go to work and some of them, they've taken a high risk. And, definitely, it's not much to celebrate."
Latinx Technology and Community Center wrote on Facebook: "We're sad to share that, due to the forecasted inclement weather, we've made the difficult decision to cancel our Cinco de Mayo celebration. The safety and comfort of our community are always our top priorities, and we truly appreciate your understanding. We look forward to seeing you at our next community celebration."
Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul, Minnesota, told Fox 9: "We're staying on the alert, obviously, we're staying vigilant. … We've been very clear that you'll never see our St. Paul police officers serve as ICE agents, and that's really critical to us as a community."
What Happens Next
Cinco de Mayo celebrations are scheduled to take place across the U.S. on Monday.