As the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids plan to continue during Mexican Independence parades, my people hide in fear. I believe that it’s important to show support for those who can’t spread awareness about the community’s suffering.
Throughout this recent weekend, Pilsen celebrated their annual Mexican Independence parade despite the ICE threats. Organizers carried on, letting families carry on their yearly tradition of celebrating.
Crowds were smaller this year because ICE raids increased throughout areas occupied by Hispanic communities. Without a doubt, people stayed home due to huge fear of being taken away unjustly.
A turnout like this makes me afraid of the erasure of my community. Slowly, but surely, people’s fear will push them to live in the shadows, if this doesn’t stop. Thankfully, people weren’t silent on social media.
Posts spread like wildfire on social media platforms such as Facebook, alerting people about the places where ICE was last seen. Photos and videos of people being taken from such familiar areas shocked my family and me.
I grew up in a place where it was common to see immigrants making a living off of vending in the streets and in neighborhoods. Whether it’s selling flowers or children’s toys, they are trying their hardest to support their families.
With Trump’s recent announcement stating, “We’re not going to war. We’re going to clean up our cities…We’re going to clear them up so they don’t kill every five people every weekend. That’s not war. That’s common sense”.
It’s angering hearing these statements and seeing the events that follow. I’ve seen immigrants holding their babies with one hand, and in the other, carrying items they sell in the other.
No matter how horrendous the Chicago weather is, they stay. It’s almost a joke to me that they are seen as criminals and dangerous people when it’s very obvious they aren’t.
When I was in elementary school, I’d rush out to the corner street of my school when class ended. It was filled with vendors selling elotes, chips, and snacks for kids who just got out of school. They put smiles on kids’ faces, filling up our bellies.
These people are not committing crimes. They are not attempting to harm anyone who lives in these neighborhoods, and they are not the criminals that should be taken away.
Not enough justice is being served to those who have been taken, but I’m seeing so much support be shown about the wrongful events happening in the streets.Word is being alerted to everyone about ICE’s whereabouts.
As Little Village’s Mexican Independence Day Parade follows closely, there will be families hiding away because they don’t want to be taken away from their families.
Those who are privileged enough should go and fill the spaces for those who are missing out. It would be greatly appreciated by those missing to know that they are cared for.
Even if you aren’t of Hispanic heritage, there is so much to be appreciated and learned about within the Hispanic community. Going to this upcoming parade is a world of opportunity, a time to open up your eyes.
This chance offers a look into our world and the faces behind the suffering. So much is painfully misunderstood about my people and their hard labor in this world. It needs to be seen through these parades.
However it doesn’t stop there, and they should be continuously fought for. It is a privilege to walk in the streets of Chicago without being targeted by ICE–for those who benefit from this privilege, take charge.
Every year, organizers put on a beautiful parade with talented dancers, loud music, and a passionate atmosphere showcasing Mexican pride. It’s a tradition for families to come together and showcase their love for their identity.
Streets can still fill up with supporters and keep the event alive. There is still a way to show that we won’t be silenced, that we won’t disappear so easily.
Just because there are issues happening that don’t directly affect our day to day lives doesn’t mean it’s okay to blatantly ignore them. It’s inhumane to stand by and say nothing about the ripping apart of families.
To continue to say or do nothing at all is showing active support for what’s currently happening. It’s showing my community that no one cares enough to step up and defend them.
The smallest bit of help can start here, by showing up to these upcoming parades and giving appreciation for individuals who have done nothing but come here for a better opportunity.
As days go on, ICE won’t give up or slow down on its raids. However, as time passes on people have a chance to to join in and preach about the injustice happening. There is a chance for change to happen if enough people show that they care.