Santa Barbara’s Christmas Parade Canceled Over Immigration Concerns

Organizers have decided to cancel the annual Christmas parade on the east side of Santa Barbara, California, primarily due to concerns that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) might interfere.

The Milpas Street Holiday Parade, a long-standing tradition set for December 13, won’t take place after organizers expressed fears that potential immigration raids could lead to participants being targeted—whether they’re in the country legally or not.

“While ICE raids might not be in the news every day, the threats—both documented and undocumented—to our Latino families persist,” stated the Santa Barbara Eastside Society, the group behind the parade. “The anxiety and fear created by immigration enforcement in our area are palpable and serious.”

No comments have come from the Department of Homeland Security about any intent to target this specific event.

This festive parade typically showcases folklorico dancers, norteño musicians, and lowrider bikers.

Sebastian Aldana Jr., president of the Santa Barbara Eastside Society, along with Tere Jurado, the parade director, announced the cancellation last week.

Jurado expressed to **Santa Barbara Independent** that this was a tough decision, reflecting extensive conversations with families, parade volunteers, local leaders, and immigrant rights advocates, all of whom shared their concerns and experiences.

This marks the second public event cancellation this year, with organizers criticizing ICE and the administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws, especially regarding individuals with criminal records.

Earlier, the Día de los Muertos Parade, which attracted around 10,000 attendees, was also canceled due to similar immigration enforcement fears.

Jacqueline Inda, who leads a group supporting immigrant families within the community, expressed her belief that many individuals fear attending events that are culturally significant, apprehensive about being identified as part of a potentially targeted demographic.

Jurado echoed these sentiments, highlighting that recent arrests by federal agents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Latino families in the area. “The parade has always been a gathering of joy, unity, and cultural pride,” she said. The Santa Barbara Eastside Association is looking into options to possibly revive the parade next year.