Fear of federal immigration enforcement dulls Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago
Celebrations for Mexican Independence Day, which began over the weekend in Chicago, come this year as the Trump administration dispatched National Guard troops and federal immigration agents to the city.
Advocates say there is fear and trepidation ahead of the Sept. 16 celebration as some in the city's large Mexican American community worry about being profiled or targeted.
Immigrant-rights supporters, faith leaders and politicians rallied over the past couple of weeks to voice their support for the community as fears mount over the Trump administration's vow to ramp up immigration enforcement.
Among those supporters is Erendira Rendon, chief program officer at The Resurrection Project -- a Chicago-based social impact organization that advocates for the rights of immigrants.
"Anyone who knows me knows that I'm most proud of being Mexican, of being from Oaxaca, and I want everyone to be able to experience our rich culture. But right now, our community is living in fear, under threat from the federal administration," she said at a press conference on Friday.
"If you are scared, it's OK to stay home. And if you're able to, please come to our communities to share in our celebrations over the next couple of weeks, to support our businesses, and to help keep us safe," Rendon added on the eve of Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
An annual Mexican Independence Day Festival, "El Grito," which refers to a battle cry of Mexico's War of Independence from Spain, was scheduled for Sept. 13–14. It was postponed indefinitely due to the federal takeover threat.
"It was a painful decision, but 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," organizers wrote on the festival's website.
Immigrant advocates said the timing of the Trump administration's decision to expand the deployment of ICE agents into Chicago around Mexican Independence Day is an act to "terrorize" the community.
When ABC News asked if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had any thoughts on that claim, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin dismissed it as "stupid" in a statement.
A Mexican Independence Day parade went on as planned over the weekend and celebrations are expected to take place throughout the week, but according to ABC station in Chicago, WLS, some festivities have drawn smaller crowds amid fear of an immigration crackdown.
The festivities reflect a Mexican American community that makes up about one fifth of Chicago's population and nearly 74% of its Latino population, according to U.S. Census data. Over the weekend, massive crowds gathered in downtown Chicago to protest a federal takeover and voice support for immigrants, according to WLS.
This comes after President Donald Trump walked back a statement he posted on social media on Saturday, where he appeared to threaten to go to war with the city.
"Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR," Trump wrote, referencing his administration's recent move to rename the Department of Defense.
His post drew criticism and backlash from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson -- both have publicly opposed a federal takeover.Johnson wrote in an X post that the president's "threats are beneath the honor of our nation, but the reality is that he wants to occupy our city and break our Constitution."
Trump struck a different tone while speaking with reporters on Sunday.
"We're not going to war. We're going to clean up our cities," he said, while referencing the city's crime rates.
He followed up with a post on his social media site on Monday.
"I want to help the people of Chicago, not hurt them. Only the Criminals will be hurt!" Trump wrote.
The DHS announced on Monday a new moniker for the immigration enforcement surge in Chicago: Operation Midway Blitz.
It is unclear when the Trump administration plans to send federal troops to Chicago. When ABC News asked about the timing of a potential federal takeover, the DHS did not immediately provide an answer.
Over the past couple of weeks, immigration advocates in Chicago have been ramping up "Know Your Rights" campaigns to provide residents with the resources and information to navigate any potential interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Marcela Rodríguez, co-chair of the Illinois Latino Agenda, highlighted the importance of being prepared for ICE encounters during a press conference on Friday.
"We know that safety comes from us. It comes from us being informed," Rodríguez said, adding that organizations "will continue to work around the clock to keep people informed, protected and safe."
ABC News' Selina Wang, Hannah Demissie, Ivan Pereira, Michelle Stoddart, Luke Barr contributed to this report.
