Thousands of people lined 26th Street in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood on Sunday to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
While all looked normal on the route, there was an underlying fear that federal agents may try to conduct immigration enforcement during the parade. Heightened concerns follow the Department of Homeland Security’s launch of “Operation Midway Blitz” to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois.”
During the parade, dozens and dozens of colorfully decorated floats made their way down a two-and-a-half mile stretch of 26th Street.
Crowds of people lined the street — watching the horses and dancing — all in honor of Mexican heritage.
But there were fewer people than years past.
“Now it’s really slow, slowing down a lot,” vendor Kevin Franco said.
One woman NBC Chicago spoke to was passing out flyers – encouraging residents to know their rights in case of any run-ins with federal agents.
“We know a lot of people are scared,” said Isabel Aguilar with the Progressive Latino Institute. “We have to let them know they have rights, and if they are scared, there is always a way they can someone to help.”
To our knowledge, there were no arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any federal authorities.
The parade appeared to have gone on without any major issues.
Still, the feeling of uncertainty remained for some people in this neighborhood… worried for their friends, family and neighbors.
“It’s really unfortunate what’s going on with ICE, but if we keep doing this, they can back off and realize you can’t break this community for anything,” said paradegoer Joshua Lopez.
“…But that’s why us, who were born here, are here to show our face, and we’re here,” she stated.
City officials were fully prepared with plans to ease the traffic and any issues due to Mexican Independence Day festivities. Typically, a large number of people participate in car caravans around the city and downtown.
However, that was also very different and much more calm this year.
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