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ICE Operation Expected in Chicago Prompts El Grito Postponement and Tighter Parade Precautions

Organizers say the downtown festival’s visibility posed unacceptable risk given a confirmed federal enforcement surge around the holiday.

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A person holds up a “No Guard” sign during the Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade, Sept. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Fabio Fernandez arranges clothes for his residency at Definitive Selection clothing store, one of many businesses in the predominantly Latino neighborhood that has seen a slowdown in foot traffic since President Donald Trump's threats of a federal law enforcement intervention, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)
A bicyclist passes Definitive Selection clothing store, one of many businesses in the predominantly Latino neighborhood that has seen a slowdown in foot traffic since President Donald Trump's threats of a federal law enforcement intervention, on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Mark Vancleave)

Overview

  • El Grito Chicago, the two-day Grant Park festival set for Sept. 13-14, was postponed, with organizers issuing refunds that will process to the original form of payment in roughly 7–15 days.
  • State officials say ICE agents are headed to Chicago with operations expected as early as this weekend, and the mayor of North Chicago said Naval Station Great Lakes will serve as an operations hub for hundreds of agents.
  • Neighborhood celebrations are proceeding with safeguards: Pilsen’s parade starts Saturday with expanded volunteer marshals, and Little Village plans added private security, immigration lawyers and a rapid-response team.
  • Other events have been halted or delayed, including Waukegan’s Fiestas Patrias and Wauconda’s Latin Heritage Fest, reflecting broader safety concerns tied to potential raids.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the federal approach and emphasized the city did not direct cancellations, while Governor J.B. Pritzker warned the timing targets Mexican Independence Day gatherings.