CHICAGO — President Donald Trump’s proposal to send National Guard troops and immigration agents to Chicago has created anxiety among many Latino residents. Some are now carrying their U.S. passports, while others are hesitant to celebrate the upcoming Mexican Independence Day. The holiday, which falls on September 16, is typically marked by festivities that last over a week and attract hundreds of thousands of participants.

Celebrations began with a parade in the predominantly Mexican Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday and will continue with car caravans and street parties. However, this year’s celebrations coincide with Trump’s threats to increase federal enforcement in Chicago, similar to actions taken in other Democratic-led cities. The administration has indicated it will enhance immigration enforcement in Chicago and deploy National Guard troops.

In June, Trump sent troops to Los Angeles and followed with a deployment in Washington, D.C., as part of a broader law enforcement initiative. On Saturday, Trump shared an illustration of himself against a fiery Chicago skyline on Truth Social, stating, "Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR," and added, "I love the smell of deportations in the morning," referencing a line from a 1979 war film.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded on social media, saying, "The President of the United States is threatening to go to war with an American city. Illinois won’t be intimidated by a wannabe dictator." While specific details about the Chicago operation remain unclear, there is significant opposition, with protesters marching through downtown on Saturday evening. State and city leaders have indicated plans to sue the Trump administration.

The extended celebrations for Mexican Independence Day highlight the size and vibrancy of Chicago’s Mexican American community, which comprises over one-fifth of the city’s population and about 74% of its Latino residents, according to 2022 U.S. Census estimates. Organizers of parades and festivals are divided on whether to proceed with events or postpone them for safety.

El Grito Chicago, a festival scheduled for next weekend, was postponed by organizers to protect attendees. Germán González, an organizer, stated, "But also we just refuse to let our festival be a pawn in this political game." Residents in Pilsen and Little Village expressed disappointment that the potential federal intervention has instilled fear during a time usually filled with joy and celebration of Mexican American heritage.

On Saturday morning, some parade-goers received bright-orange whistles and flyers from volunteers outside the Lozano Branch of the Chicago Public Library. The flyers encouraged people to "Blow the whistle on ICE!" as a nonviolent way to alert others about agents. Marchers displayed signs painted with monarch butterflies, a symbol of migration between the U.S. and Mexico. Many cheered, "Viva Mexico!" as they participated in the festivities.

Claudia Alvarez, whose daughter was riding a pony nearby, noted the smaller crowd this year. "At these hours you should be able to see plenty of people in the streets enjoying themselves, but now there’s not really a lot of people," she said. Fabio Fernandez, a local business owner, described the situation as "troubling" and "disheartening," stating that the fear of federal intervention has affected sales and foot traffic in the area.

Alejandro Vences, who became a U.S. citizen this year, expressed mixed feelings. "For us, our Independence Day has always been a celebration of our culture. It feels like we don’t get to celebrate our culture in the same way," he said.

In downtown Chicago, over a thousand protesters marched on Saturday evening, holding signs that read, "I.C.E. out of Illinois, I.C.E. out of everywhere." Speakers provided instructions on how to respond to encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Nazek Sankari, co-chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, drew parallels between the proposed ICE crackdown and Israel’s actions in Gaza, stating, "We are inspired by the steadfastness of Palestinians in Gaza, and it is why we refuse to cower to Trump and his threats."

Viviana Barajas, a leader with the community organization Palenque LSNA, vowed that Chicagoans would "stand up" if Trump deploys the National Guard. "If he thinks these frivolous theatrics to undermine our sovereignty will shut out the passion we have for protecting our people, this is Chicago, and he is sorely mistaken," she said.