Mario Perez stood at the curb, cheering as vibrant dancers moved gracefully down the street on a Saturday afternoon. Ribbons glinted in the sunlight, and Perez almost missed the face observing from an apartment window. “They’re still afraid to celebrate,” remarked Perez, aged 54. “People are hesitant, fearing arrest.”
Perez was among the many immigrants who gathered in Pilsen for the 25th annual Mexican Independence Day Parade. This event fills 18th Street with classic cars, folk dancers, and spirited musicians as they head toward Harrison Park. The parade is a key event for this historic Latino neighborhood, where Mexican American culture is visible in local eateries, shops, and murals lining the parade route.
However, attendees noticed a smaller crowd, echoing the previous year. That year’s parade coincided with Operation Midway Blitz by the Department of Homeland Security, a 64-day immigration enforcement initiative across Chicago and surrounding areas. Edwin Barrera, sitting outside an antique shop, felt the atmosphere was oddly similar to times when the Trump administration threatened federal intervention in Chicago. “Usually, chairs are lined up with people already seated,” said Barrera, 50, a two-decade resident of Pilsen. “But many people chose not to attend.”
Despite the threats that led to the postponement of last year’s downtown Mexican Independence Day festival, El Grito, organizers of the 2025 Pilsen parade proceeded with their plans. Vicky Lugo, secretary of the United Merchants of Pilsen Chamber of Commerce, confirmed there were no reports of federal immigration agents at the event. Yet, some locals remembered the day differently.
Ramon Lopez, 61, watched dancers from his apartment doorway. A lifelong resident of Pilsen, Lopez pointed to a nearby intersection where he recalled immigration agents in full gear during last year’s parade. This year, he observed their absence, noting, “It’s more comfortable now. You see police officers, but not ICE.” However, some neighbors stayed home, worried about undercover federal agents amidst the crowd. Although the surge from the blitz had ended, immigration arrests persisted across the year.
Esmeralda Velasco mentioned some residents remained wary of even routine activities, such as dropping children at school. Her social media was filled with reports of ICE activities throughout Chicago, especially in the Northwest and Southwest areas. Videos of federal agents at traffic stops and outside courthouses increased alarm among immigrant communities, drawing concern from elected officials. “We’re still advocating for them,” stated Velasco, 42, regarding neighbors afraid to attend the parade. “We represent them, even if they can’t be here.” Velasco emphasized her attendance was vital to celebrate her heritage.
Mexican Independence Day occurs annually on September 16. Velasco hoped that photos and videos shared online would convey community pride to those who stayed away. She and her friends enjoyed the parade, watching a toddler on a tiny horse and three Xoloitzcuintles, a breed celebrated as Mexico’s national dog, following close by.
The animals fascinated children along the route, including Liliana Baiman’s son, newly arrived in Pilsen from Ohio. Baiman recounted the limited opportunities for cultural experiences back in Ohio, expressing, “Here, people look like me, and it feels supportive.” Pilsen residents have created an online group to monitor potential ICE activities, forming a network that offers some reassurance, though many are not ready for public events like the parade.
“This issue affects many areas,” said Baiman. “We must figure out ways to support each other continuously.” Despite fears, Saturday’s event attracted participants of all ages. Older individuals waved Mexican flags from their wheelchairs while Benjamin Raya enjoyed the music, cradling a baby on his lap. The rhythms transported him back to his homeland, saying, “This moment connects me to my country. It feels like home.”