Despite fear in some Chicago communities over the expected surge in immigration enforcement, Pilsen held its Mexican Independence Parade on Saturday. There were some extra precautions taken in case federal agents showed up.
This year’s Pilsen Mexican independence Day Parade not only looked different, but felt different. A lot of the community and their supporters have concerns over the administration’s continued immigration enforcement.
“I just think we still need to be out here, and so we’re not scared and still show our heritage, and that we’re a proud people, and that we’re not scared of anything that’s going on,” paradegoer Jasmine Martinez said.
For a 24th time, the annual procession headed across 18th Street at noon as heightened security concerns loomed following the Trump administration’s threats to deploy National Guard troops and ICE agents to the city.
“I’m against goons and masked people, that’s like the KKK,” Pilsen resident Tom Sanchez said. “So, I’m here.”
Despite fear in some Chicago communities over the expected surge in immigration enforcement, Pilsen held its Mexican Independence Parade on Saturday.
Bands, colorful floats and dancers marched in the parade to noticeably smaller crowds.
According to the most recent census, Chicago’s Mexican-American community represents 21.5% of the city’s total population. The threat of federal intervention has turned what is usually a time of celebration to one of anxiety in Latino neighborhoods.
“It does seem a little bit less crowded than the last time we were here,” paradegoer Ben Snyder said.
While reports of ramped-up deportation efforts caused other celebrations to be canceled or postponed, organizers of Pilsen’s parade said they did not think their event would be targeted, but still staged safety volunteers armed with warning whistles along the short parade route as a precaution.
“Three continuous whistles, like this, will mean an ICE sighting,” said Vicky Lugo, parade organizer and Pilsen Chamber of Commerce board member. “A continuous whistle like this [means someone is getting arrested by immigration agents.]“
Some of Illinois’ elected official have rejected Trump’s plans.
“This is more than a parade today, this is a show of unity,” Congressman Mike Quigley said. “This is a reminder that there is more than unites us than divides us.”
The actual Mexican Independence Day falls on September 16, but celebrations will continue throughout the week, usually drawing hundreds of thousands of people. Where there were no issues at Pilsen’s parade this year, there are concerns about next weekend. That’s when the Little Village Mexican Independence Day Parade kicks off. There’s concern there could be some enforcement activity there.
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