Overview
- Chicago’s 26th Street parade in Little Village stepped off with volunteer marshals, immigration lawyers and added security, drawing thousands despite lighter-than-usual turnout.
- ICE’s Operation Midway Blitz remained active across the area after a fatal ICE-involved shooting in Franklin Park and the reported detention of Willian Gimenez, intensifying community concerns.
- El Grito Chicago, originally planned in Grant Park, was postponed and relocated to a Pilsen church, and other events such as Waukegan’s parade were canceled or scaled back.
- Local leaders including Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García joined the parade as organizers distributed Know‑Your‑Rights materials and framed the event as a show of resilience and protest.
- East Chicago’s Fiestas Patrias parade proceeded peacefully, while the Mexican government urged caution for migrants and increased consular staffing during the holiday period.