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CBS News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
No Chicago Cinco de Mayo Parade; Little Village businesses see drop-off due to immigration worries
Chicago's Cinco de Mayo parade in Little Village was canceled this year due to concerns about the Trump administration's immigration policies, and an organizer said those concerns are having broader economic consequences. The Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce announced in April that the parade would be canceled. The group said the Mexican community in Chicago is worried about raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On Monday in Little Village, a few people shouted, "Happy Cinco de Mayo!" to CBS News Chicago's crew. But parade organizers said they stand by their decision to cancel the parade, which would have been held this past Sunday. "We didn't want to take a chance for anyone to be taken by immigration and be deported, so definitely, it's not about money anymore," said parade organizer Hector Escobar of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. "It's about safety." But Escobar said there is an economic loss. He estimates small businesses are missing out on millions as foot traffic slows, and as some employees skip work out of deportation concerns. "The businesses are very slow," Escobar said. "I mean, they're not getting the crowds since January, since this new administration took over." Business owners who spoke to CBS News Chicago, but did not want to go on camera, said they can survive without the paradegoers who were absent this past weekend. But the business owners said they have noticed less foot traffic overall, as some familiar faces stay home. Organizers of a Philadelphia Cinco de Mayo event cited the same immigration enforcement concerns to CBS News Philadelphia when they canceled their event. "This has been a concern," said Philadelphia parade organizer Olga Rentería. Chicago planners unsure if, or when, their parade will return. "We don't know what's going to happen next year," said Escobar, "but at this point, everyone has to take their precautions." Some business owners said they expected turnout for the parade to be low. Last year's event had to be re-routed after gun fire from gangs in the area, and some say the event hasn't fully rebounded after years of COVID cancelations.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Cinco de Mayo Parade is canceled, but other celebrations are happening in Chicago
It's Cinco de Mayo, but unfortunately, the annual Little Village parade has been canceled. Celebrations, however, are happening in Chicago. What led to the cancellation of the Cinco de Mayo parade According to organizers, the Little Village parade was canceled due to deportation concerns. While the primary concern is safety, the move will cost businesses and the community money. Organizers say canceling this year's parade will cost the Chamber of Commerce about $1.5 million. Small businesses that depend on the crowds to eat and shop will also lose $5 to $6 million. Businesses in the community have already been losing money, some down 60% since the first of the year. Guerrero Auto Repair has seen a decline in clientele. "We had a high clientele of Venezulans, Columbians, Cuban, different other races, Mexican as well. We've seen that amount of clientele decrease since the Trump administration," said Erika Cruz. "I think it's more important to be safe right now than sorry," Hector Escobar of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce said. Organizers said they are planning for the event's return next year. Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo For those looking to celebrate the holiday, Fulton Market's Carnivale restaurant is celebrating by serving Latin-inspired dishes and cocktails starting at 5 p.m. The MLK Skating and Bowling Center will host a skate and bowl fiesta from 5 to 8 p.m., during which walking tacos will be available for purchase. Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's 1862 victory over France during the Battle of Puebla. However, the holiday is not Mexican Independence Day, which is scheduled for Sept. 16.
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Cinco de Mayo parade canceled in Chicago due to fears over immigration enforcement
Print Close By Joshua Nelson Published April 14, 2025 Cinco de Mayo in Chicago will be canceled this year due to fears of strict immigration enforcement, a local organizer of the event said. The Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, who announced on Thursday that they are canceling the event, reportedly said the Mexican community in Chicago is concerned about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Our people are scared," Hector Escobar, president of the Casa Puebla and Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, said to a local ABC affiliate. Escobar went on to say, "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." FRUSTRATED CHICAGO RESIDENTS FED UP WITH SPENDING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, CALL FOR REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP Cinco de Mayo is held annually on the southwest side of Chicago, involving a parade with musical performances and activities celebrating Mexican culture. ICE conducted raids across the Windy City, targeting suspected criminal migrants' records, as well as arresting undocumented immigrants if they were caught at the raid sites. Soon after President Donald Trump was elected into office, ICE made hundreds of arrests of illegal immigrants, including those with criminal histories that include sexual assault, domestic violence and drugs and weapons crimes. CHICAGO ALDERMAN ACCUSES MAYOR JOHNSON OF ONLY LISTENING TO 'HYPER-LIBERAL WHITE PROGRESSIVES' ON IMMIGRATION Trump's border czar pick, Tom Homan, pledged to go after Chicago with strict enforcement, vowing to verify the status of asylum seekers and arrest anyone providing sanctuary to illegal immigrants. The incoming border czar also warned that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson would be prosecuted should he obstruct ICE's mass deportation efforts . "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," Escobar said in a statement obtained by CBS. "Our community has faced bullying and prosecution and are not indulging in community activities, therefore we feel that there is nothing to celebrate." Escobar did not immediately respond to a request for comment. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Furthermore, Johnson and other sanctuary city-supporting mayors were pressed by federal lawmakers to explain their policies last month. Immigration has been a hot topic in the city after several residents blasted the mayor for his handling of the large influx of migrants that have come to the city over the past two years. Print Close URL
