From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
Passaic parade postponed over ICE fears
A beloved Mexican parade is on hold as immigration fears ripple through Passaic businesses and families.
In brief
A beloved Mexican parade is on hold as immigration fears ripple through Passaic businesses and families. Immigration enforcement fears can change public life far beyond legal cases, hitting cultural traditions, local shops and family security. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Parade put on hold
Passaic organizers indefinitely postponed the annual Mexican Day Parade, saying attendees could face immigration enforcement. The Sept. 27 event will not happen as planned.
“Organizers of Passaic's annual Mexican Parade have indefinitely postponed this year's event”
A major tradition
The parade has run for more than 30 years in the New Jersey city with the state’s highest concentration of Mexicans. It usually draws about 15,000 people.
“Passaic has the highest concentration of Mexicans in New Jersey.”
Businesses feel it
Restaurant owner Leticia Ortega says La Fortaleza is already quieter, and she has cut staff in half. Losing parade crowds means another missed boost.
“Every night is pretty, pretty empty already.”
Mayor wants another way
Mayor Hector Lora said he was disappointed and hopes Mexican community leaders still organize a festival or activity to celebrate the community.
“I'm still hoping that leaders within the Mexican community come together and do something”
Fear changed the math
One restaurant owner said he wanted the festival to happen, but understood the choice. He said people are seeing a lot of ICE in Passaic.
“the organizer of the festival made the right decision because you're seeing a lot of ICE in Passaic”
No new date yet
A recent Mexican rodeo took place without arrests, but organizers fear a larger parade could draw more attention. No replacement date has been announced.
“Organizers have not announced a new date for the parade.”
Here's the gist
Immigration enforcement fears can change public life far beyond legal cases, hitting cultural traditions, local shops and family security.
