Organizers of Chicago’s annual Cinco de Mayo parade canceled the event for the second consecutive year, citing widespread community fear regarding the Trump administration’s federal immigration enforcement policies.
The Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla confirmed the decision Sunday, stating that the current political climate and increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement made hosting the Southwest Side celebration untenable, ABC7 Chicago reported.
The historic parade, which traditionally takes place during the first week of May to celebrate Mexican heritage, has faced a series of interruptions over the last decade. It was sidelined between 2018 and 2022 due to the pandemic and disputes with city officials, but organizers attributed the current hiatus to the policies of the Trump administration.
“Our people are scared,” Hector Escobar, President of the Casa Puebla and Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce, told ABC7 during the initial cancellation last year. “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.”
Since Trump’s 2025 inauguration, Chicago has been a primary target for federal deportation efforts.
The Little Village neighborhood, where the parade was scheduled to begin, has seen a particular spike in anxiety among residents and business owners. Escobar previously said that the decision was driven by the risk of attendees being taken into custody during public gatherings.
The uncertainty also affected the event’s financial viability.
Last year, nearly half of the parade’s sponsors withdrew their support. Despite having enough funds to proceed at a reduced scale, organizers maintained that the primary concern remained the safety of the participants rather than the budget.
In a statement released regarding the 2026 festivities, Escobar reiterated that the challenges facing the Mexican community have not subsided.
“This decision comes in light of the challenges our Mexican community continues to face under this administration,” the statement said. “Many families are experiencing fear and uncertainty due to increased immigration enforcement actions and the ongoing threat of raids. Given these circumstances, members of our community have understandably withdrawn from public gatherings and celebrations.
“There is nothing to celebrate.”
Organizers said that members of the community have begun withdrawing from public celebrations across the city.
The statement concluded by saying the organization remains hopeful for a future where the community can celebrate “safely and with peace of mind.”
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