Downtown Los Angeles came alive Saturday night with music, dance, and cultural pride for “El Grito,” the beloved annual Mexican Independence Day event. Crowds packed Grand Park in front of City Hall, sharing in the flavors and traditions that honor Mexico’s history.

Fears of a federal immigration crackdown have prompted the cancellation of several Mexican Independence Day events in the Chicago area. Local organizers cite rumors of an ICE surge and potential National Guard deployments as the reason behind the postponements, underscoring mounting tension in the community.