Chicago Warns of Traffic, Street Closures for Mexican Independence Day

Chicago is preparing for increased traffic and multiple street closures downtown this weekend due to Mexican Independence Day celebrations, including parades in the Little Village neighborhood and on Commercial Avenue. City officials, including the Chicago Police Department and Office of Emergency Management and Communications, have warned residents and visitors to expect traffic congestion and possible rolling closures to manage car caravans and ensure public safety. Access to the Central Business District may be restricted, with residents and workers required to show identification at designated access points, while attendees may need to provide proof of reservations or tickets. Events such as the El Grito 5k run, the 26th Street parade, and other cultural festivals are expected to draw large crowds, with some organizers emphasizing the celebrations as acts of cultural pride and resistance amid heightened immigration enforcement under President Trump’s "Operation Midway Blitz." The city is encouraging people to plan ahead and use alternative transportation options, noting that these vehicle restrictions will not apply to pedestrians.