The city of Long Beach, located near Los Angeles, California, has decided to cancel its annual Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) parade due to concerns that immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) could focus on outdoor gatherings.
Reportedly, Long Beach spokesperson Kevin Lee mentioned the city isn’t aware of any specific federal enforcement targeting the parade. However, the decision was made considering the event’s significant public visibility.
City Councilman Mary Zendejas advocated for the cancellation, as stated by Lee.
“This decision wasn’t taken lightly,” both Zendejas and the city said. They added that the move reflects “the genuine fears expressed by community members, especially those who may face sudden and indiscriminate federal actions that threaten their sense of security and ability to engage in public life fully.”
Since Donald Trump’s presidency began, ICE has been enforcing federal immigration laws, leading to numerous stories—some credible and others exaggerated—of ICE agents making arrests in public settings.
Earlier this year, LA Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom both promoted false narratives about ICE targeting school graduations. This misinformation appeared to align with their goal of unifying Democratic support while casting the Trump administration in a negative light. Though the Trump administration has disputed such claims, the anxiety stirred by Democratic leaders seems to contribute to some undocumented individuals feeling less secure.
ICE asserts its focus is on undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds or engaged in criminal activities, clarifying that they don’t prioritize those without a criminal record, even if they’re arrested.
