‘El Grito Chicago’ postponed due to potential ICE activity, National Guard deployment

CHICAGO (WGN) – The Mexican independence celebration “El Grito Chicago,” originally scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14 at Grant Park in downtown Chicago, has been postponed due to possible ICE activity and the potential deployment of the National Guard.

Officials said the decision was made at the recommendation of state of Illinois and city of Chicago officials.

The announcement comes as the lingering threat of federal ICE raids and the potential deployment of the National Guard continue to strike fear in several Chicago neighborhoods.

Given the festival’s location in downtown Chicago, officials said organizers recognized the festival can be seen as a “visible target” and determined the safety of the community must be top of mind.

“This was a painful decision; however, with the heightened political tensions and given our location in downtown Chicago, we need to keep our community safe,” said German Gonzalez, organizer of El Grito Chicago. “To proceed in spite of the advice we’ve received directly from city and state officials and potentially expose our community to becoming collateral damage would be irresponsible. That’s a risk we are not willing to take.”

An official statement from festival officials can be found below:

The safety and wellbeing of community members, festival attendees, performers, vendors, and staff remain the organizers’ unwavering priority. While organizers share the profound disappointment this decision will bring to the thousands who eagerly anticipate El Grito Chicago, they believe postponement is the most responsible action to ensure everyone’s safety.

El Grito Chicago represents far more than a festival—it is a cherished celebration for all of Mexican Independence, rich cultural heritage, and the vibrant community bonds that unite Chicago-area families and individuals.

While organizers are heartbroken by this decision, their aim has always been to create a safe, affordable, family-friendly community festival, and they look forward to accomplishing that in the future.

Although the community will not gather in Grant Park this month, organizers encourage all to still celebrate Mexican Independence Day in a safe, respectful and responsible way and to support Mexican American businesses around the city and state. By shopping and dining at these establishments, the community can strengthen connections and celebrate heritage together.

El Grito Chicago remains committed to returning with an even more spectacular celebration when conditions allow and looks forward to reuniting the community for this honored tradition.

Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office issued the following statement on the postponement of El Grito Chicago:

It is shameful that the President’s reckless, militarized immigration enforcement tactics have forced organizers of El Grito to postpone the celebration this year. While we are saddened that the celebration will not take place as expected, we respect that the organizers are doing what they believe is in the best interests of the city and the Mexican community. We will continue to work with the organizers of El Grito and other Mexican Independence Day events this month to support and promote safe celebrations. 

Through initiatives like our Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness campaigns, we will continue to empower Chicagoans with resources to stay informed, prepared, and connected so they can make decisions for themselves and their families about how to engage in public life.  Chicago honors, celebrates, and loves its cultural communities, and that will not change.

The City did not recommend cancelling or postponing the event. The City believes strongly that the decision to proceed with or cancel events this month is in the hands of the organizers and the communities hosting them. The City also believes that individuals and families should make their own decisions about whether to attend.