The city of Long Beach has canceled the annual Díade los Muertos parade, citing concerns raised by community members over federal immigration operations.
City-sponsored parades are usually held in early November and attract large crowds to Long Beach.
Long Beach spokesman Kevin Lee said that while the city was not aware of federal law enforcement activities targeting the march, the decision was made “out of caution” because it was “a large and very public outdoor event.”
Lee said Long Beach Councilman Mary Zendejas asked for a cancellation.
“This decision was not easily achieved,” Zendejas and the city said in a statement, addressing the “real fears raised by community members, especially the possibility of federal law enforcement actions that may face sudden and indistinguishable areas that undermine the sense of security necessary to fully participate in public life.”
Arte Y Ofrendas Festival, a separate ticketing event organized by external suppliers and held at Rainbow Lagoon Park, has also been cancelled this year. The festival usually coincides with city-sponsored parades and is held where the parade ends, thus attracting parade participants.
Marketer Roberto Carlos Lemus brought food trucks and other suppliers to the festival last year, calling the cancellation “very sad.”
“Everyone is very sad about this situation. Díad de Los Muertos has been one of the biggest celebrations for a long time, and the city has done a great job in its efforts,” Remus told the Times on Sunday. “Unfortunately, with Latinos being kidnapped and attacked by the ICE and the current government, I do understand why they made the decision.”
Remus said some local businesses were concerned about the economic impact of the festival and the cancellation of the parade and the potential impact of the raid on Long Beach Latino Restaurant Week, which he co-founded, which is scheduled to begin on September 22.
“They are scared,” he said. “Overall, it affects everyone.”
Immigrant raids have swept Southern California in recent months, with thousands of people being detained by federal agents. A new Supreme Court ruling has been made for U.S. immigration agents to stop and detain people in Southern California on the road, who suspect they are illegal in the United States, even if their suspicion is based solely on the type of work they hold, the language or appearance they speak.
The ruling highlights concerns that people with brown skin and Spanish-speaking people will be targeted, especially into the National Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Monday, and has been furious from immigration rights lawyers and local leaders.
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Long Beach City Council approved a motion to push unpaid funds allocated by this year’s march to next year’s budget, ensuring $100,000 will be used for the 2026 march.
The committee also added $600,000 to the Long Beach Judicial Foundation, which provides legal representation to residents facing immigration operations, bringing the fund’s budget to $1.85 million. The fund ensures that residents can use “the resources necessary to uphold their constitutional rights, uphold due process protection and retain family unity”.
Despite similar concerns, some activities in Southern California are still on schedule.
The 79th Annual Mexican Independence Day parade in East Los Angeles seems to attract less crowds than usual, but many say they are proud and responsible despite the Trump administration’s immigrant crackdown.
Samantha Robles, 21, told Times while watching the parade that we will continue to fight for our rights and others who cannot fight for ourselves. ”
