CHICAGO – Residents in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood were still set to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a parade on Saturday, despite fears of stepped-up immigration enforcement in the city.
What we know:
Organizers said that despite the reports of federal immigration agents amassing in the area and other local Mexican independence celebrations being postponed or canceled, they wanted to stick with their plans.
“It’s a decision that we took speaking to local business owners, neighbors, friends,” said Rigoberto Gonzalez Jr., the executive director of the United Merchants of Pilsen Chamber of Commerce. “Everybody decided to continue celebrations.”
Still, they said they are working with local police and elected officials to “ensure the parade is both safe and successful for everyone,” according to the chamber’s Facebook page.
The parade is set to step off at noon on 18th Street starting at Newberry Avenue until Wood Street.
