Sanctuary Cities Cancel Cinco de Mayo Parades Amid Trump-Era Immigration Crackdown
The cities of Chicago and Philadelphia—both self-declared sanctuary jurisdictions—have canceled their annual Cinco de Mayo parades this year, citing fears that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could use the events to conduct raids on criminal illegal aliens. The cancellations have ignited backlash, with critics accusing city leaders of prioritizing lawbreakers over federal law and public safety.
Chicago: “Our Community Is Very Frightened”
In Chicago, the Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce and Casa Puebla abruptly called off the city’s beloved Little Village Cinco de Mayo parade. The organizations say the cancellation is driven by fear among illegal immigrant families who worry ICE will target parade-goers.
“Our community is very frightened because of the raids and the threat that ICE has imposed on the families that work tirelessly to provide a better future for their kids,” said Chamber President Hector Escobar.
Escobar told ABC News that even workers are afraid to show up at jobs, let alone public festivities.
“Some of them, they don’t even want to go to work… Definitely, it’s not much to celebrate.”
He added that despite securing 50% of the usual sponsorship funding, safety concerns were the decisive factor.
“It’s just more about the safety. We don’t want to have any confrontation or having people taken away from the festival.”
Philadelphia: Carnaval de Puebla Canceled
Philadelphia’s Carnaval de Puebla, a similarly vibrant celebration originally slated for April 27, was also scrapped for similar reasons. Event organizer Olga Renteria said there was a growing reluctance among participants to travel from other states or Mexico.
“People were calling in to say, ‘Unfortunately, we’re not going to be able to make it.’ Entire families are coming, so they don’t want to be separated.”
ICE and Federal Enforcement Pressure
The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement has intensified in 2025. In January, President Trump signed a sweeping executive order to reassert federal immigration law within sanctuary cities, which have long refused to cooperate with ICE detainer requests. Since then, ICE has arrested thousands of illegal aliens, including many with felony convictions.
Tom Homan, Trump’s reinstated border czar, has issued stern warnings to city officials who obstruct federal efforts.
“If they want to harbor criminals, they’ll face consequences,” Homan said at a recent GOP event.
He also vowed to prosecute mayors and governors who block ICE operations, naming Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker specifically.
Critics: “This Is Not About Culture—It’s About Shielding Lawbreakers”
While event organizers claim the cancellations are out of concern for families, critics argue that the real motive is shielding criminal illegal aliens from arrest.
“The irony is staggering,” said one Chicago resident. “We cancel an American celebration of Mexican culture not because of a lack of funding or support—but to protect people who are here illegally, many of whom have criminal records.”
A Shift in National Tone
The events reflect a broader national shift under Trump’s second term, as the White House enforces a zero-tolerance policy on illegal immigration. With renewed authority, ICE has ramped up activity even in jurisdictions that claim to be off-limits.
As sanctuary cities grapple with federal pressure and growing public dissatisfaction over crime and immigration issues, more cultural events could become the next battlegrounds in the ongoing fight over America’s borders.
For now, Cinco de Mayo celebrations in two of America’s largest cities are the latest casualties in that escalating conflict.