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CHICAGO - A downtown Chicago festival marking Mexican Independence Day has been postponed because of concerns about possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity and the potential deployment of National Guard troops.
What we know:
The two-day event and civic ceremony, originally scheduled for Sept. 13-14 at Grant Park, will be rescheduled. A new date has not been announced.
"This was a painful decision; however, with the heightened political tensions and given our location in downtown Chicago, we need to keep our community safe," said German Gonzalez, organizer, El Grito Chicago. "To proceed in spite of the advice we've received directly from city and state officials and potentially expose our community to becoming collateral damage would be irresponsible. That's a risk we are not willing to take."
Organizers said the festival’s downtown location makes it a "more visible target" as President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy additional federal agents. They said postponing the celebration is the safest choice.
The decision follows the postponement of another major Mexican Independence Day celebration in the Chicago area. On Wednesday, organizers delayed the largest parade and festival in north suburban Waukegan until November. That event was initially set for Sept. 14.
RELATED: Suburban Mexican Independence Day parade postponed amid ICE, Guard concerns
What they're saying:
"It is shameful that the President's reckless, militarized immigration enforcement tactics have forced organizers of El Grito to postpone the celebration this year. While we are saddened that the celebration will not take place as expected, we respect that the organizers are doing what they believe is in the best interests of the city and the Mexican community. We will continue to work with the organizers of El Grito and other Mexican Independence Day events this month to support and promote safe celebrations.
"Through initiatives like our Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness campaigns, we will continue to empower Chicagoans with resources to stay informed, prepared, and connected so they can make decisions for themselves and their families about how to engage in public life. Chicago honors, celebrates, and loves its cultural communities, and that will not change.
"The City did not recommend cancelling or postponing the event. The City believes strongly that the decision to proceed with or cancel events this month is in the hands of the organizers and the communities hosting them. The City also believes that individuals and families should make their own decisions about whether to attend," a statement from Mayor Brandon Johnson reads.
What's next:
Details on a new date for the downtown festival have not yet been released.
All participants who purchased tickets for the festival will receive a full refund to their original payment method. For more information on refunds, visit elgritochicago.com.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by El Grito Chicago.