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WHAT:
In response to growing concerns about potential immigration enforcement at cultural events, Fiesta del Sol and its partners are calling for federal immigration agents to stay out of community festivals.
Just earlier this month, federal agents made an unannounced visit to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. This came just days before they hosted Barrio Fest, raising significant alarm across Chicago’s immigrant community.
We demand that ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies refrain from targeting our celebrations. Community festivals should be places of joy – not places of fear.
WHEN:
Monday, July 28th at 10 AM
WHERE:
In front of the Pilsen Neighbors / Fiesta del Sol Office
2026 S Blue Island Ave. Chicago, IL 60608
WHO:
Alivio Medical Center
Boys and Girls Club
Bridging Chicago Communities
Casa Michoacan
Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, The
Comite Cultural Mexicano de Chicago
El Hogar del Niño
First Immanuel Lutheran Church
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA)
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)
Illinois Workers in Action
La Malinche Coffee & Tea House
Latinos Progresando
Little Village Chamber of Commerce
Miche Fest
National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry (NCCHM)
National Museum of Mexican Art
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Pilsen Chamber of Commerce
Pilsen Wellness Center
PUÑO
Rudy Lozano Library
Sabor Fest
Sones de Mexico Ensemble
UNO Chicago
25th Ward IPO
Casa Huitzil
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Gads Hill Center
Cook County Public Defender Office
Elected Officials:
Deputy Mayor, Beatriz Ponce de Leon
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez 25th Ward
Alderwoman Jessie Fuentes 26th Ward
Alderman Andre Vasquez 40th Ward
Additional partners to be confirmed…
BACKGROUND:
Fiesta del Sol is the largest free, family-friendly Latino festival in the Midwest and one of the largest in the country. The festival draws over 1.2 million people to Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood to experience local food vendors, Mexican art, and live music performances. Now in its 53rd year, Fiesta del Sol celebrates the contributions of immigrants who shaped Pilsen’s vibrant culture.This year’s festival takes place this week, from July 31st to August 3rd, and is organized by Pilsen Neighbors Community Council.
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In 1954, Pilsen Neighbors Community Council was formed in response to the divestment and violence that Pilsen residents faced. It has since become an organizer of community-led campaigns seeking to improve the neighborhood. Now over 70 years later, Pilsen Neighbors has worked tirelessly leading social justice campaigns supporting immigration reform, housing justice, and workforce development.
