The annual holiday parade in the affluent city of Santa Barbara, known as the “American Riviera” in California, has been canceled this year due to concerns over potential ICE immigration raids targeting participants.
The Milpas Street Holiday Parade, a long-standing tradition in the beachy city, was scheduled for December 13 but was called off after some of the planned performers, bands, and other participants expressed fears of being targeted by President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The Santa Barbara Eastside Society, in a statement, highlighted the ongoing threat faced by Latino families, whether documented or undocumented, despite the reduced coverage of ICE raids in the media.
The parade, which has been a staple for seven decades, typically celebrates the Hispanic heritage of the area through performances, music, food, and thematic elements, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Despite the reduced coverage of ICE raids, the local Latin community in Santa Barbara remains on edge due to the fear and uncertainty caused by the presence of immigration enforcement in the region.
Organizers of the event expressed disappointment as many long-time participants felt too vulnerable to participate in a public event of this scale, citing the current climate of fear.
