CHICO cancels Hispanic Heritage Festival, citing community safety concerns

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - El Centro for Hispanic & Immigrant Community Opportunities abruptly announced the cancellation of this year's Hispanic Heritage Festival.

The festival was scheduled for Sept. 21, and the organization said in a press release that the cancellation is out of an "abundance of caution and concern" for the community's well-being.

CHICO said increased federal immigration enforcement activity has generated fear among local immigrant families.

The organization added that it "does not believe it is responsible" to continue with the festival in an environment where many residents felt unsafe.

"This is not the atmosphere in which we can authentically celebrate our heritage or fulfill the festival’s mission: to unite people through cultural expression, connect them with vital resources and uplift our youth," CHICO said in the release.

CHICO said that it will pause the festival for this year, hoping to "come back stronger" in 2026.