US Edition'El Grito Chicago,' Other Events Postponed Due to Potential ICE Activity, National Guard Deployment
El Grito Chicago, expected to attract over 24,000 attendees last year, was postponed to protect the community amid warnings of federal immigration enforcement and National Guard presence.
- On Thursday, El Grito Chicago organizers postponed the two-day festival set for Sept. 13-14 in Grant Park, downtown Chicago, due to possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and potential National Guard deployment, following discussions with city and state officials to protect community safety.
- State and local leaders warned of a planned ICE crackdown, with Gov. JB Pritzker saying federal agents will "begin operations here sometime in the coming week" and about 300 immigration agents expected alongside possible National Guard deployment.
- Organizers said in a statement that German Gonzalez called the postponement "a painful decision" made to keep the community safe amid heightened tensions and promised full refunds via the El Grito festival website within 7 to 10 business days.
- Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned federal actions as "shameful" and said the City of Chicago officials did not pressure organizers, while Pilsen parade organizers and the National Museum of Mexican Art proceed with events this weekend with precautions.
- Community leaders warned operations risk targeting Latino communities in Chicago; the Mexican consulate in Chicago will highlight at least 17 celebrations this month via social media, while volunteer marshals distribute know-your-rights materials and promote Mexican American businesses.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Threat of US immigration raids forces cancellation of Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day celebration
Organizers of El Grito Chicago, the city’s Mexican Independence Day festival, have canceled this year’s two-day celebration in Grant Park, citing fears of heightened immigration enforcement. The announcement, made Thursday, said safety concerns drove the decision to cancel he Chicago festival planned for Sept. 13-14, two days ahead of actual Independence Day celebrations in Mexico. A ceremonial “Grito” (the cry of Independence) was to be held on…
The possibility of Donald Trump sending the National Guard to Chicago, Illinois, caused the suspension of two key celebrations for Mexico's Independence and triggered alerts across the Latino community: Fiestas Patrias postponed its parade and festival, and El Grito Chicago was also on hold, while the Pilsen parade remains on the agenda with more controls. Trump's Threat: National Guard puts the Patriotic Festivals in jeopardy in ChicagoThe pres…
El Grito Chicago Called Off As ICE Agents Sent To City: ‘We Need To Keep Our Community Safe’ – Block Club Chicago
Said German Gonzalez, an organizer for El Grito Chicago, “To proceed in spite of the advice we’ve received directly from city and state officials and potentially expose our community to becoming collateral damage would be irresponsible. That’s a risk we are not willing to take.”
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
