Passaic’s Mexican Independence Day parade has been postponed indefinitely after organisers raised concerns about the safety of attendees amid a surge in arrests by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey.
The event, which has been held for more than three decades and is one of the state’s largest celebrations of Mexican culture, had been due to take place later this month. Organisers said the decision was made to protect members of the community, rather than cancel the tradition outright.
The postponement has left residents disappointed and added to concerns among businesses in Passaic’s heavily Mexican neighbourhoods, including the area known as Little Mexico. Traders said fewer people had been venturing into the city as fears about encountering immigration agents grew.
Peter Sahdou, of the Passaic Jewelry Exchange on Main Avenue, said the drop in footfall had affected businesses across the area. Residents have described staying at home because they fear they could be detained by ICE.
Mayor Hector Lora said he understood why the organisers had taken the decision, despite his sadness that the parade would not proceed as planned.
“There is a great deal of concern within my community, as well as fear, anxiety and hurt,” Mr Lora said in a statement. “I understand the decision that was made by the organisers of this parade.”
The mayor, who took part in the parade on horseback two years ago, said the event remained postponed rather than permanently cancelled. Officials said there was still a possibility it could be rescheduled later in the year.
The decision comes as local officials and community advocates report increased immigration enforcement activity in New Jersey since the beginning of the summer. For organisers, the resulting uncertainty meant that a large public gathering could leave members of the Mexican community feeling exposed rather than able to celebrate.
