The El Grito festival marks the start of Mexican Independence Day, and it's normally a joyous time of year for Mexican Americans. But this year it falls under a cloud of uncertainty amid ongoing immigration enforcement efforts in the Chicago area.

Despite those fears, Chicago held a scaled-down version of the annual celebration in the city's Pilsen neighborhood. Revelers packed the area - loud, proud and celebrating Mexican Independence.

El Grito roared through the evening; families, friends and even furry companions all showed up.

David Hernandez, one participant, said he came to celebrate and to protest.

“I want to tell them, what the president has said about us is a lie. It’s wrong," Hernandez said. "We’ve been judged and misrepresented. I wanted to get that message out.”

But thi

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