Communities across major U.S. cities are grappling with unprecedented cancellations of Cinco de Mayo festivities as fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids spreads through Latino neighborhoods.

According to Breitbart, Chicago's Little Village neighborhood has canceled its annual Cinco de Mayo parade, which typically draws around 300,000 attendees, while similar celebrations in Philadelphia and Oregon face the same fate.

The wave of cancellations stems from growing anxiety within immigrant communities about potential ICE operations during large public gatherings. Local organizers and community leaders report that many families are choosing to stay home, with some even contemplating returning to Mexico permanently.

Chicago's Little Village feels immigration pressure

Hector Escobar, who leads both Casa Puebla and the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, witnessed firsthand the impact of immigration concerns on his community. The decision to cancel Chicago's parade came after extensive discussions with local residents who expressed deep concerns about their safety.

Chicago's status as a sanctuary city, which typically limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, has not alleviated these fears. The situation has become so dire that Mexican officials are taking steps to assist those considering relocation.

Puebla's governor, Alejandro Armenta, plans to establish an office in Chicago specifically to help families navigate potential returns to Mexico, including assistance with business ventures and school enrollment for children.

Immigration fears spread beyond Chicago borders

Philadelphia's El Carnaval de Puebla, traditionally held in April, also faced cancellation this year. The festival, which celebrates Mexican culture and heritage, typically serves as a prelude to Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Recent data from UnidosUs reveals that 43% of Latino voters fear potential immigration arrests, regardless of their citizenship status. This statistic underscores a broader pattern of anxiety affecting both documented and undocumented community members.

The ripple effect has reached Oregon, where organizers canceled the annual Latino Fest in Madras scheduled for December. Catalina Sánchez Frank, speaking for the Latino Community Association, shared the difficult reasoning behind their decision:

Our people are very scared. Honestly, they're saying they don't want to go to work. They have to go to work because they have to feed their families. So, if they both were working, now one person is working.

Employment and daily life disrupted

The impact extends beyond cultural celebrations, affecting daily routines and employment patterns. Many community members report cutting back on work hours or having only one family member continue working to minimize exposure to potential immigration enforcement.

ICE's increased activity under the current administration has resulted in approximately 66,500 detentions of individuals who entered the United States illegally during President Trump's first 100 days in office. This aggressive enforcement strategy has created widespread uncertainty within immigrant communities.

Local business leaders report declining participation in community events and reduced economic activity in predominantly Latino neighborhoods as residents limit their public appearances.

Communities navigate uncertain times

The cancellation of Cinco de Mayo celebrations across multiple U.S. cities reflects growing concerns about immigration enforcement within Latino communities. Chicago's Little Village, Philadelphia, and Madras, Oregon have all seen major cultural events canceled due to fears of ICE raids and deportations. The situation has prompted some community members to consider returning to Mexico, with Mexican officials establishing support systems to assist in potential relocations. Meanwhile, ICE continues its enforcement operations, having detained over 66,500 individuals during the first 100 days of President Trump's current term.