Southwest Detroit hosted its annual Cinco de Mayo parade this weekend. The event proceeded despite community concerns regarding potential immigration enforcement actions.
Organizers expected thousands to attend the 60th annual festivities. The decision to continue contrasts with cancellations in cities like Chicago and Philadelphia due to similar fears.
Elizabeth "Lisa" Gonzalez, parliamentarian for the Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metro Detroit, stated planning occurred throughout the year. She said residents supported holding the parade. Gonzalez expects attendees from Michigan and other states for the event celebrating Mexican heritage.
Some community members opted to celebrate privately. Samantha Magdaleno, executive director of One Michigan for Immigrant Rights, advised individuals without legal status or those living with such family members to avoid large public gatherings.
Magdaleno suggested Detroit could have canceled the event to protest Trump administration policies regarding immigration. She noted outsiders often visit Southwest Detroit for Cinco de Mayo and a cancellation could have shown resistance to perceived abuses.
Concerns center on actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border agents. Jaime Carrillo, director of Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel, said people fear getting caught up in enforcement sweeps, including those with legal status.
Hector Vega, a Mexican American native of southwest Detroit, described a climate of fear. He noted increased deportations and police presence have made public gatherings feel less secure.
Vega also expressed concern about the holiday's co-option for excessive alcohol consumption by non-Latinos, often referred to as "Drinko de Mayo." He suggested sharing culture feels difficult when some believe the U.S. government does not welcome the people behind it.
A longtime community leader noted fear is present even among those with legal status, impacting daily activities like taking children to school or getting groceries. He was prepared for the parade to be canceled given ongoing detentions of neighbors and friends.
Businesses, vendors, and taco trucks rely on the event, but face potential hardship if attendees stay away or if community members face detention.
Maria Salinas, founder and executive director of Congress of Communities of Southwest Detroit, said the community is used to the presence of border patrol and ICE due to the area's proximity to the Ambassador Bridge. She stated the celebration, ongoing for generations, would not be canceled. The event organizing committee took steps to provide a safe environment.
"For us to stand down and not celebrate our Latino heritage is just something we're not going to do," Salinas said.
