The silence at the kick off of the Pilsen Mexican Independence Day Parade Saturday morning broke as soon as someone shouted “ Viva, México! ”

A second woman then chimed in, yelling “Don’t be afraid, viva, México! ” as men on horses decorated in green and red, folk dancers with colorful skirts and a caravan of vintage cars made their way down 18th Street. Others proudly waved Mexican flags and carried signs that said “No ICE” and “Stop Illegal Deportation.”

While the crowd at the 24th annual parade was noticeably thinner and more subdued than in previous years, the hundreds who showed up said they were excited to celebrate their culture despite threats from the White House.

President Donald Trump posted on social media earlier Saturday morning an AI-created image of military helico

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