Organizers of events celebrating Latino heritage are facing tough decisions as concerns regarding immigration enforcement escalate due to the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategies.
At least two events in central Oregon have joined a growing list of canceled outings nationwide, driven by fears that immigration authorities could target undocumented individuals at community celebrations.
While some events have been axed, others are proceeding as planned, such as the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Portland next month.
The environment surrounding these cultural events has been tense, largely due to the administration’s recent policies, which include the sudden termination of visas for certain college students and the invocation of wartime powers to deport Venezuelan migrants.
Cities like Chicago and Philadelphia have already seen cancellations of their own Cinco de Mayo festivities and other cultural celebrations.
Organizers fear that immigration officials might show up to events, leading to both intimidation and potential arrests, and they are concerned about people’s safety and attendance levels in this politically charged atmosphere.
Catalina Sánchez Frank, executive director for the Latino Community Association, explained that her organization decided to cancel the Central Oregon Latino Fest that was set for this fall in Madras due to widespread immigration worries within the local community.
This annual event, which has taken place since 2018, typically attracts between 2,500 and 3,000 people.
Sánchez Frank noted that the possibility of immigration authorities appearing at the event created a sense of apprehension, and there were also concerns about members of the community who might come to harass participants.
She remarked on the heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in some central Oregon counties, making the decision to cancel all the more pressing.
“Even if there were no possibilities of a raid, just maybe harassment towards the public… our population being targeted,” she stated. “That would put individuals and families at risk just by showing up to the Latino Fest… That was our main concern.”
Similarly, the Central Oregon Community College recently announced the cancellation of its Latinx Fiesta Celebración, citing safety concerns and alignment with the decisions made by community partners.
In a parallel vein, a Juneteenth event in Bend organized by the Father’s Group has also been scrapped due to security worries amid what they called a “volatile time” and previous experiences of racial aggression and violence in central Oregon.
Kenneth Adams, the executive director of the Father’s Group, emphasized the need for safety for the anticipated 15,000 attendees over the course of two days.
“Without being able to ensure the safety of the over 15,000 people that attend the festival over the course of two days,” he stated in an email, “we would be remiss if we were not security conscious.”
On the other hand, some event organizers remain committed to proceeding with their celebrations.
Fiesta Mexicana in Woodburn, a well-known cultural event, is set to kick off a three-day celebration starting on August 15.
Maricela Guerrero, a spokesperson for the city of Woodburn, reported that they have established a strong police presence along with security measures, allowing them to move forward with the fiesta as planned.
She articulated the city’s commitment to ensuring eventgoer safety, noting that Woodburn and the Woodburn Police Department are generally prohibited from collaborating with federal authorities for immigration enforcement under Oregon’s sanctuary laws.
While she acknowledged the public nature of the event and the impossibility of barring immigration officials from attending should they decide to show up, Guerrero reassured that they are working diligently to maintain safety.
“We are doing the best job we can to keep people safe,” she remarked. “We know that there is fear… There’s always going to be fear in the community.”
Guerrero highlighted the significance of the event to the community, which drew approximately 23,000 attendees the previous year, helping to foster cultural identity among attendees.
Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, scheduled for May 2 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, is another event moving ahead despite the ongoing concerns.
Organizer Brandon Treadway acknowledged that immigration enforcement worries are a daily reality for many community members, yet he expressed confidence in their established safety measures for the event.
Although he did not respond to further requests, Treadway explained in an earlier email that their enhanced security protocols include a dedicated security team, bag checks, and metal detectors at all entry points.
These measures align with what patrons would expect at any large-scale, family-friendly event and aim to ensure peace of mind for all attendees.
Beyond cultural significance, Treadway also mentioned the economic implications of canceling such events, stating they provide vital support for local small businesses.
“Canceling this event would not only take away an important cultural celebration — it would also create real economic hardship for the very people and businesses we care about uplifting,” he said.
In addition, the El Tigre Fest in Tigard, celebrating Latino heritage, is also on schedule for October 4 at Cook Family Park.
Leandro Barrientos, the digital communications coordinator for the city of Tigard, affirmed that they take the concerns leading to cancellations in other areas “very seriously.”
Nonetheless, Tigard officials do not plan to cancel their event and are dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe space for everyone who attends.
Barrientos explained that they work closely with trusted community partners, city departments, and public safety officials to ensure events remain secure and inclusive for all, regardless of immigration status.
This year’s El Tigre Fest will mark its fourth annual celebration, and Barrientos confirmed that private security will be present as well, reinforcing their commitment to safety.
“These partnerships are key to ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for everyone,” he added.
— Yesenia Amaro is an investigative reporter focusing on social issues and communities of color. Are you aware of any news related to immigration, deportations, or public programs aimed at assisting immigrant Oregonians? Reach out at 503-221-4395 or [email protected].
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