State Watch

Cinco de Mayo parade in Chicago’s Little Village canceled again over immigration concerns

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by Ethan Illers, Angelica Sanchez and Alonzo Small - 04/22/26 9:49 AM ET

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by Ethan Illers, Angelica Sanchez and Alonzo Small - 04/22/26 9:49 AM ET

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CHICAGO (WGN) — Immigration fears have once again caused the cancellation of the Cinco de Mayo parade and festivities in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, organizers announced Monday.

Addressing the decision to cancel the parade for a second consecutive year, the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce — which has been running the Cinco de Mayo parade in Little Village for the past 40 years — and Casa Puebla said the move is in light of ongoing immigration enforcement actions and the threat of raids.

“Given these circumstances, members of our community have understandably withdrawn from public gatherings and celebrations,” Hector Escobar, the president of the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla, said.

The community leader echoes his sentiments from last year: “There is nothing to celebrate.”

Escobar added: “We remain hopeful that conditions will improve in the future, allowing us to once again come together in celebration of our culture and traditions. We look forward to continuing the Cinco de Mayo festivities for many years to come, when our community can do so safely and with peace of mind.”

While immigration fears have caused the cancellation of the last two parades, reports of gang violence and what organizers described as unforeseen circumstances have also caused disruptions in the past.

Organizers say parade weekend can generate between $6 million and $8 million at restaurants, bars and shops in the Little Village area.

At an unrelated event on Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke on the cancellation and impact of last year’s federal immigration crackdown in the city.

“The organizers made a conscious decision for the overall benefit of the community to cancel,” Johnson said. “The economic impact the Trump administration has had on our local economy is quite severe and negative.”

Cinco de Mayo can often be confused with Mexican Independence Day, but it’s actually a celebration of one of the most unexpected victories in Mexico’s history.

Mario Hernandez, the associate director of education for the National Museum of Mexican Art, said it’s a true underdog story.

“The French were considered one of the strongest and best armies in the world at that time,” Hernandez said. “Cinco de Mayo is marked by the Battle of Puebla that happened in Puebla, Mexico, on May 5, 1862. We look at the Battle of Puebla, which is where Mexico was victorious against the French.”

According to Hernandez, the celebration has taken many shapes over time.

“Very much like Mexico sees El Cinco de Mayo has a holiday that represents resistance and national unity as well,” he said.

Hernandez is encouraging those who can to go out and support local businesses, but also get to know the history behind the victory.

“I think that although the public celebrations might be postponed or canceled, it’s still important for us to support local business. I know that we see a lot of that in communities like La Vita, and I’m sure that the residents there and hopefully other people from other communities will come out and support the Mexican community,” Hernandez said.

The Cermak Chamber of Commerce hopes the festivities can return next year when more families can have peace of mind.

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