Chicago Cinco de Mayo Parade canceled amid immigration policy fears

Chicago's annual Cinco de Mayo Parade has been canceled for 2025 due to fears stemming from the Trump administration's immigration policies, according to organizers from the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce. They cited the community's anxiety over potential ICE raids as the primary reason for the decision, stating that many families feel unsafe and unwilling to participate in community activities. Hector Escobar, the chamber president, emphasized that safety is a priority over profit, as nearly half of the event's sponsors withdrew in response to these concerns. In contrast, Portland's Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is set to proceed, with organizers taking extra precautions to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for attendees despite similar fears in the BIPOC community. The Department of Justice in Oregon noted an increase in calls regarding ICE activities but did not indicate a rise in anti-national origin incidents. This contrast highlights the varying responses to immigration-related fears across different cities.