Fear Among Latinos Influences Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

CNN hosted a discussion featuring Casapuebla and Hector Escobar, the president of the Selmac Road Chamber of Commerce, who expressed that many Latinos are feeling fearful of U.S. immigration and customs enforcement, which has led to the cancellation of Cinco de Mayo events.

During the segment on “The Situation Room,” host Pamela Brown noted that some communities are either canceling or altering cultural events in response to President Trump’s strict immigration policies. Wolf Blitzer subsequently questioned Escobar about the fear that prompted the cancellation of Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Parade.

Escobar shared, “Our people are very scared. Honestly, many are hesitant to go to work, even when they need to for their families. When we discussed the parade with the community, they felt there was nothing to celebrate if they’re afraid to go to work, which really impacts us financially.”

He continued, emphasizing, “Yes, we’re losing money, and businesses are affected, but protecting our people is what truly matters. There are countless individuals in our community with no criminal backgrounds.”

Statistics reveal that daily encounters at the border dropped by 93%, while immigration crossings saw a staggering 99.99% decrease during Trump’s administration, as highlighted in a fact sheet shared by the White House.

The White House also reported that in the first 100 days, it had apprehended over 151,000 undocumented immigrants and deported more than 135,000, alongside actions against members of gangs such as MS-13.

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security announced a program to offer $1,000 and travel assistance to illegal immigrants who choose to leave the U.S. voluntarily through the Trump administration’s CBP Home app. DHS Director Christa Noem remarked, “For those here illegally, self-deportation is the safest and most economical option to evade arrest, and our agency provides financial aid for travel and scholarships for returning home.”