Charles Thrush/Block Club ChicagoLeaders took a stand against federal immigration enforcement on Tuesday, pledging a safe and fun weekend full of Mexican Independence Day activities.
This story was originally published in Block Club Chicago, a nonprofit newsroom focused on Chicago’s neighborhoods. Sign up for its free daily newsletter.
LITTLE VILLAGE — City officials are increasing their role in organizing the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations this weekend as Chicago’s immigrant community marks one year since federal agents descended upon the city during Operation Midway Blitz.
A lineup of elected leaders and organizers announced increased safety precautions for slate of weekend festivities at a press conference near the Little Village Arch, 3100 W. 26th St., on Tuesday morning. Speakers highlighted the importance of celebrating Chicago’s largest immigrant group in the face of ongoing federal crackdowns.
Mayor Brandon Johnson made it clear that this year’s festivities will be less muted than last year’s holiday, which drew smaller crowds due to widespread fears stoked by the deployment of federal agents conducting immigration raids throughout Chicago.
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“The first thing that we’re doing differently is that we’re actually coming outside and we’re celebrating, and we’re not going to allow the federal government to intimidate and stop us from celebrating Mexican heritage,” the mayor said Tuesday. “In terms of coordination, our police department has been working to make sure that we’re protecting the rights of the residents of our city … So we’ll continue to make sure that there is stronger coordination and better communication.”
Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on Sept. 16 but includes festivities in the days leading up to the holiday, with the prior weekend typically packed with activities. The holiday commemorates Mexico’s independence from Spain following an 11-year war that ended in 1821.
Officials and organizers heavily promoted the weekend’s authorized celebrations, including two parades this Sunday on West 26th Street and South Commercial Avenue; and the El Grito festival returning to Grant Park this weekend after last year’s hiatus. Sunday’s parade on 26th street is the largest of its kind in the Midwest, drawing about 400,000 attendees a year.
The city’s purported commitment to supporting Mexican Independence Day celebrations doesn’t extend to the weekend’s unsanctioned gatherings, which officials have deemed a safety hazard, issuing vehicle citations to people waving flags outside of their cars.
Attendees have previously accused city leaders of holding a double standard for cracking down on Mexican Independence Day while allowing other groups to get rowdy downtown, including on St. Patrick’s Day and the Fourth of July.
The mayor deferred to Interim Police Superintendent Fred Waller to discuss the city’s approach to the weekend’s informal celebrations that overtake swaths of downtown with large car caravans and gatherings. An increased police presence will be patrolling downtown and could block off street access throughout the area if deemed necessary, Waller said.
“We want everyone to be able to celebrate safely while keeping streets and intersections accessible,” he said. “Emergency vehicles, including ambulances, need to be able to travel. Every second matters during an emergency, so if needed, street closures will be implemented to safely manage traffic and maintain access for emergency vehicles. Residents and visitors are asked to plan accordingly for additional travel time.”
In the event of street closures, emergency access points to downtown will include:
- Halsted/Washington
- Halsted/Madison
- Halsted/Jackson
- Division/LaSalle
- Roosevelt/Canal
- Taylor/Desplaines
- 18th/State
- 18th/Indiana
Little Village Chamber of Commerce director Jennifer Aguilar said organizers will be ensuring the safety of vulnerable neighbors in attending the weekend parades.
“The chamber is working with the city, immigrant rights organizations and legal partners on Know Your Rights resources so families can attend with a greater peace of mind,” she said. “This parade will remain a welcoming, safe space for every family, regardless of immigration status, with trusted community organizations present along the route.
