Washington, Iowa's Latino Festival Canceled Amid ICE Raid Fears

Organizers in Washington, Iowa, have canceled the annual Latino Heritage Festival due to widespread fears among community members of potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, which could lead to family separations and deportations. The festival, a major cultural event featuring music, food, and dance, was called off after local residents expressed concern about their safety, especially given increased immigration enforcement actions nationwide. Sonia Leyva, president of Latinos for Washington, emphasized that the decision aimed to protect the community, noting that the event was meant to unite people but now poses risks under the current climate. Similar cancellations have occurred in other U.S. cities, reflecting a broader anxiety within Latino communities about public gatherings drawing unwanted attention from immigration authorities. Organizers expressed disappointment over the loss of the festival but pledged to continue supporting the community through educational workshops, citizenship classes, and scholarships. They hope to resume the celebration in the future when safety concerns diminish.