The Carnaval de Puebla is a prominent annual South Philadelphia festival commemorating Mexico’s triumph in the Battle of Puebla, a significant event of Mexican history. During the festival, individuals dress up in historical attire and traditionally dance to lively music while eating authentic Latin cuisine. Unfortunately, the organizers canceled the beloved event this year due to widespread fear in response to recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests. The reasoning given was that, by attending the festival, many guests fear being potential targets for deportation by ICE.
Estimates of undocumented individuals are generally tenuous, but according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, large concentrations of non-citizens live in the Tri-State area. This includes Philadelphia, where there are an estimated 47,000 undocumented individuals, as well as an additional 440,000 estimated to live in New Jersey, the bulk of whom have roots in Mexico. Undocumented people from all ethnicities and backgrounds have shared their concerns with Carnaval organizers.
President Donald Trump has initiated what he claims will be the most extensive deportation drive in U.S. history, deporting millions of immigrants from the country. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, ICE has conducted arrests at several Philadelphia locations, notably at popular and local businesses, causing many undocumented workers to abandon their employment for fear of being deported.
This is not the first time organizers have canceled the festival due to ICE concerns. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, attendees were scared for their safety following Trump’s first administration, and even called organizers to express their fear.
The celebration was slated to take place on April 27 — as it does every year — but due to the cancellation, the previously expected 15,000 people will be unable to attend. When asked by CNN, Olga Renteria, a committee organizer, reiterated that the community feels unsafe and would prefer not to take any chances this year.
Deportations in Philadelphia, particularly in Northeast Philadelphia, have increased and have shown no signs of slowing down. According to CBS News, ICE raided a car wash in North Philadelphia in January, detaining many workers on allegations of unlawful labor exploitation. Another instance occurred in late February when four Brazilian workers at the Jumbo Meat Market in Northeast Philadelphia were arrested due to their unclear legal status, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
While individuals are afraid of being in public places or huge groups, it is unclear what will happen at future festivals or gatherings. Nonetheless, the organizers have said there may be a smaller celebration around the same time for those that are willing to attend. Although nothing is definitive, the opportunity offers the community a sense of hope while helping to draw attention to local Mexican-owned businesses.