Chicago's Halloween Celebrations Marred by Fear of Immigration Raids
As families with young children trick-or-treated through the streets of Chicago's predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, a sense of unease hung over the usually joyous occasion. The days before and after Halloween are a time-honored tradition for many in these communities, but this year's celebrations were noticeably subdued.
"I think people are just scared," said Cecilia Romero, 40, whose family has been celebrating Día de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead – since she was a child. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that have been plaguing Chicago since early September seem to be the main reason for this fear.
The Trump administration's decision to allow ICE enforcement operations to continue despite Governor JB Pritzker's plea for a pause during the Halloween weekend has left many feeling anxious about their presence in public spaces. In years past, the streets of Pilsen and Little Village were packed with people celebrating the holidays, but this year they were eerily quiet.
"I guess the big difference this year is you could just feel [the] sadness," said Marco DeSantiago, 49, whose family has been attending Halloween festivities in Pilsen for 12 years. "It's a somberness, we feel personally, I could just see [it] in people's faces. It's not a joyous occasion."
The atmosphere was even more subdued at nearby soccer fields owned by the Catholic church and school St Procopius, where an annual Día de los Muertos celebration typically draws large crowds. This year, however, attendance was noticeably lower.
For many in these communities, celebrating Halloween is an important way to honor their heritage and connect with loved ones who have passed away. However, the fear of ICE raids has left some feeling anxious about participating in these traditions.
"It would be packed from the afternoon till the end," said Isabel Hernández, 27, referring to past Día de los Muertos celebrations. "I think it's more so part of the fear right now of … what's going on in the city, in the country."
As for Romero, she just wants to continue celebrating like she used to. "Hopefully, ICE will leave," she said. "We don't want them here. We don't need them here. You know, our city – and I think our country – has been doing fairly well without them coming in."
As families with young children trick-or-treated through the streets of Chicago's predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, a sense of unease hung over the usually joyous occasion. The days before and after Halloween are a time-honored tradition for many in these communities, but this year's celebrations were noticeably subdued.
"I think people are just scared," said Cecilia Romero, 40, whose family has been celebrating Día de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead – since she was a child. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that have been plaguing Chicago since early September seem to be the main reason for this fear.
The Trump administration's decision to allow ICE enforcement operations to continue despite Governor JB Pritzker's plea for a pause during the Halloween weekend has left many feeling anxious about their presence in public spaces. In years past, the streets of Pilsen and Little Village were packed with people celebrating the holidays, but this year they were eerily quiet.
"I guess the big difference this year is you could just feel [the] sadness," said Marco DeSantiago, 49, whose family has been attending Halloween festivities in Pilsen for 12 years. "It's a somberness, we feel personally, I could just see [it] in people's faces. It's not a joyous occasion."
The atmosphere was even more subdued at nearby soccer fields owned by the Catholic church and school St Procopius, where an annual Día de los Muertos celebration typically draws large crowds. This year, however, attendance was noticeably lower.
For many in these communities, celebrating Halloween is an important way to honor their heritage and connect with loved ones who have passed away. However, the fear of ICE raids has left some feeling anxious about participating in these traditions.
"It would be packed from the afternoon till the end," said Isabel Hernández, 27, referring to past Día de los Muertos celebrations. "I think it's more so part of the fear right now of … what's going on in the city, in the country."
As for Romero, she just wants to continue celebrating like she used to. "Hopefully, ICE will leave," she said. "We don't want them here. We don't need them here. You know, our city – and I think our country – has been doing fairly well without them coming in."
This whole thing is a perfect example of how the new administration's policies are affecting everyday people's lives. The fact that ICE raids are causing families to feel anxious about celebrating their cultural traditions on Halloween is a clear sign that we need more comprehensive immigration reform ASAP! 
And what's even more worrying is that Governor Pritzker's pleas for a pause in these operations have fallen on deaf ears under the Trump administration. It's like they're intentionally trying to create a sense of fear and unease among our communities. The Catholic church-owned soccer fields, where Día de los Muertos celebrations usually draw huge crowds, were noticeably empty this year? That just tells me that we need more support for these communities from our leaders. We can't have our citizens living in fear of deportation just because of their cultural practices! 
this is so sad man... i feel bad for the ppl who are scared to even celebrate halloween cuz of these immigration raids 
they're supposed to be a fun time with family & friends, but now it's all about fear & anxiety 
they just wanna live their lives & celebrate their heritage without being messed with by ppl in power 
the ppl who are participating in these celebrations aren't bothering anyone, they're just trying to honor their loved ones & culture 
The fear of immigration raids is literally casting a shadow on Halloween celebrations 
It's not just about the kids trick-or-treating anymore, it's about people being anxious to be seen out and about in public. I mean, who wouldn't feel that way when you've got ICE agents potentially showing up at any moment? 
The fact that Governor Pritzker asked for a pause on enforcement during the Halloween weekend just shows how deep-seated this fear is 
It's heartbreaking to see families feeling like they can't even celebrate their heritage without being held hostage by fear. Can't we just be able to honor our traditions without worrying about being deported or detained? 
because of ICE raids? Like what's the point of even having a party if you're gonna be worried about getting raided, right? 
I get that it's a serious issue for some people but come on, can't we find ways to celebrate without fear of deportation? 
And it's not just the parties either, it's like everything is just feeling more somber than usual... the streets are empty and it's really sad. 
I'm all for honoring your heritage and traditions but can't we do that in a way that doesn't make us feel like we're living in fear? 
. I get why people are scared with all these ICE raids going on, but Halloween's supposed to be a time for fun and celebration, not fear 
. Maybe we could even organize some sort of solidarity event or something to show everyone that we care? 
. The ICE raids are having a devastating impact on people's mental health and sense of security 
. It's not fair to them, or to their kids, that people are using Halloween as a way to spread fear 
. We need to support these communities and make them feel welcome again 
.
you guys it's so sad to hear that people are scared to even celebrate holidays like Halloween because of immigration raids 
especially when it comes to honoring loved ones who've passed away and connecting with family 
. Can't we just coexist peacefully? 
. Until then, I'll be sending lots of positive vibes to those who are feeling anxious 
, but now they're all quiet and spooky 
We need our communities to come together and celebrate 
?!
it's like people are being forced to hide their cultural identities and traditions because of the constant threat of deportation or detention. its not right 
.
Maybe we can just stick together as a group and support each other instead? 
.
People are too scared to enjoy their culture and traditions... what's wrong with a little celebration?
what if instead of fear people just showed up with signs saying "we got your back, immigrants" and made the whole community feel more welcoming 
? i also think its awesome that día de los muertos is being celebrated at all - it's such an important part of latinx culture