CHICAGO - Mexican Independence Day festivities typically draw large crowds across Chicago and suburbs. But this year, excitement is giving way to unease, with community members on edge.

What we know:

On Thursday afternoon, the Latino Leadership Council gathered at Daley Plaza to present a united front ahead of the celebrations.

Council leaders urged residents to continue honoring their heritage and traditions, but to do so responsibly and peacefully.

Officials criticized President Donald Trump’s plans to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and bring in the National Guard, calling the move an effort to provoke unrest.

"We will remain calm, we will protect one another, and we will bring both our Mexican and our American flags, and we will carry them with pride and

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