Cicero Residents Voice Pride as Mexican Independence Day Parade Kicks Off Amid Uncertainty
Amid fear and lower turnout, the Town of Cicero Mexican Independence Day Parade carried on Sunday September 14, 2025 with Cicero residents displaying their pride in their culture. Mario Tenorio/ Cicero Independiente
By Natalia Madrigal
The weather is warm, and the atmosphere is tense as Cicero’s Mexican Independence Day parade unfolds on Cermak Road, held fearlessly despite other celebrations, like El Grito downtown, being canceled. With the lingering anxiety of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) looming over residents, fewer people turned out compared to past celebrations in Cicero. However, the community’s presence and energy remain undeniably palpable.
Mother Petra Guerrero and daughter, Noelia Guerrero attend the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Cicero. Mario Tenorio/ Cicero Independiente
“I'm very proud, and I'm very, very thankful that the city of Cicero is still having the parade and honoring our culture,” expressed Cicero resident Petra Guerrero. “We need [all communities] out here supporting our culture.”
This call for allyship is coming at a moment when immigration enforcement in Chicago is running rampant.
In the days leading up to the parade, ICE initiated "Operation Midway Blitz," deploying hundreds of agents and vehicles throughout the city of Chicago and nearby suburbs. Organizers and community members have reported seeing federal vehicles and agents surrounding courthouses and neighborhood hubs, which has raised concerns among many mixed-status families. Among those directly impacted have been Constantina Ramirez and Moises Enciso, a Cicero couple detained by ICE during a traffic stop at Cicero Avenue and Pershing on September 14.
Their detention received immediate local attention as their oldest son made a public plea about how the arrest has disrupted their family’s lives. He detailed how his parents were separated on his younger brother’s tenth birthday, causing a sudden end to their daily routines: his mother’s morning maintenance of their plants, the dinners they shared each evening, his father’s laborious hours in construction, and his devotion to their backyard garden and the vegetables growing in it. The statement, which was included in a petition calling for the couple’s release, emphasizes the human cost of the enforcement surge and expresses the concerns that many Cicero families have about being separated from their loved ones.
The timing of these upsurges, combined with a recent Supreme Court ruling that relaxes constraints on how immigration officials are allowed to operate, has locals concerned that they would be targeted based on ethnicity, language, or appearance.
“As you can see, there's not that many people out here, but I think that kind of shows the importance of also having allies coming out and supporting this community as well, especially with protests,” explained Noelia Guerrero, Petra’s Daughter. “Everyone should be scared of the Supreme Court ruling. It's not just people that are undocumented, it's anyone that's not white, basically.”
Even with a hint of tension in the air, the parade pressed forward – dancers twirling their colorful faldas, Morton High School clubs and teams showing off their school pride, followed by luchadores in lowriders, and men on horseback proudly waving the Mexican and U.S. flags. Laughter erupted each time a child missed a tossed candy or a stress ball from the fire department unexpectedly landed on someone. These are the moments that hold the fabric of our community together, sewn together by fearless residents who refuse to be intimidated and silenced.
One of those residents is Yolanda Flores, who, despite the fact that she now lives in another town, makes it a point to celebrate and honor where she comes from.
“I mainly come out here to celebrate the Mexican Independence Day for all the voices that are not able to be heard right now,” she asserted, her presence a reminder that even a small crowd can carry an important message. “We used to live here before… but the thing is that they continue to do their traditions, and that is great. Even though a lot of people are not able to be here, the ones that are here, we’re going to be here loud and proud.”
Even though there were fewer participants than in previous years, those who attended celebrated with pride and excitement, making their presence that much more special.
“I’m happy that it hasn’t got canceled because…compared to last year, it’s kind of sad,” remarked Dani Ayala, commenting on this year’s turnout. “Last year, there were cars honking all night, flags out all over the streets, and now you barely see like two flags out.”
Ayala said typically, in the days leading up to celebrations, hundreds of vehicles decorated with flags would cruise through the neighborhood, creating an omnipresent display of enthusiasm and anticipation. However, this year, that familiar sight was largely absent.
Despite the attendance, each participant’s decision to attend felt deliberate, an intentional act of stepping up in the face of uncertainty.
“I’m glad that people here aren’t afraid of ICE, although it is scary, but… we have to demonstrate that we’re here fighting for our rights,” said Darien Hernandez, mirroring the perspective of those determined to ensure a space for their heritage and voices.
The music and applause echoed in the air as the parade came to a slow halt, blending with the whirl of flags, banners, and colorful garments that had flowed through the streets. Children hopped along the sidewalks, waving flags and yelling out to the entertainers. At the same time,families stayed to watch the final moments of the celebration. Even with a smaller crowd, those who showed up had the chance to occupy Cermak for a few hours, cultivating it with pride and presence, demonstrating that culture and community cannot be suppressed. Everyone’s resilience was felt in every flag, every smile, and every ¡VIVA!
Natalia Madrigal is a freelance writer and journalist based in Chicago whose work spans culture, entertainment, and community storytelling. As a graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, she has written for university, local, and independent media publications, covering stories which encourage diverse voices and creative communities. Fueled by her love for film and music, she offers a narrative-driven approach to the stories she shares.
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