Chicago Latino Leaders Urge Calm Ahead of Mexican Independence Day Amid Immigration Crackdown Fears

CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 2025 — As Chicago prepares for vibrant Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Latino community leaders are calling for peace and resilience in the face of heightened tensions over potential federal immigration enforcement actions. At a Thursday rally in Daley Plaza, prominent figures, including former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutiérrez and members of the Latino Leadership Council, urged residents to celebrate their heritage responsibly and not be provoked by what they describe as instigation tactics from the Trump administration.

The annual festivities, which commemorate Mexico’s independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810, typically draw massive crowds to parades, festivals, and car caravans across Chicago, home to one of the nation’s largest Mexican American communities. However, this year’s celebrations are overshadowed by concerns about increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations and the possible deployment of National Guard troops, which Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others believe are timed to coincide with the holiday.

“They are already training for riots. What riots? The riots that they want to instigate,” Gutiérrez said, warning against reacting to provocations. “Do not take the bait. Let us show that this is a city where we take care of one another.”

The popular El Grito festival, planned for Sept. 13-14 in Grant Park, was postponed Thursday due to safety concerns related to potential ICE activity. Organizers called the decision “painful” but necessary to protect the community. “Holding El Grito Chicago at this time puts the safety of our community at stake – and that’s a risk we are unwilling to take,” they stated on social media.

Despite the postponement, other events, including the 54th annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village and the Pilsen parade, are moving forward with added precautions. Organizers are coordinating with city officials and deploying volunteer marshals equipped with radios, cellphones, and whistles to monitor for federal activity. “We won’t be deterred,” said Rigoberto Gonzalez Jr., executive director of the Pilsen Chamber of Commerce. “This is a celebration of who we are.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed the call for unity, encouraging residents to celebrate without fear. “Why would I ask people to stay home? This is Chicago. It’s beautiful,” Johnson said. “Why would we allow someone who is auditioning to become a dictator to intimidate the soul of America?”

The Latino Leadership Council emphasized pride in both Mexican and American identities, urging celebrants to carry both flags. “We will bring our Mexican and American flags and carry them with peace as a reminder of our heritage and our rightful place in this nation,” said Berto Aguayo, council policy co-chairman.

City officials are bracing for heavy traffic, particularly downtown, where car caravans have caused gridlock in past years. The Chicago Police Department and Office of Emergency Management and Communications are prepared to implement street closures if needed, with public transportation strongly recommended.

As Chicago’s Mexican American community, which makes up over 21% of the city’s population, gears up for the festivities, leaders are calling for solidarity. State Sen. Karina Villa described the timing of the rumored ICE operations as “an insult” and invited non-Latino allies to join the celebrations. “We need our allies to show up more than ever,” said City Clerk Anna Valencia.

With the 26th Street parade expected to draw over 400,000 spectators and other events planned across the city, Chicago’s Mexican Independence Day remains a powerful expression of cultural pride, even as the community navigates uncertainty.

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