The City of Long Beach has taken the step to cancel its Día de los Muertos Parade, slated for November, due to concerns over immigration enforcement activities. This decision has preceded the parade's tenth edition and was publicized as prioritizing the safety and peace of mind of the community. Citing the cancellation, a spokesperson for Long Beach stated, "This decision did not come lightly and was a result of concerns related to activities in the region being conducted by federal law enforcement," as reported by NBC4.
Following a recent operation by federal agents at Bixby Knolls Carwash in Long Beach, where several employees were detained, the community's unrest has been further fueled. "They took away seven good, honest, noble people. People who deserve to have a job," Ramón Paz, the car wash's general manager, told NBC4, noting that at least four of those detained had proper legal status in the country. The mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson, also commented on the raids, stating, "These federal raids are cruel, discriminatory, and unacceptable. Long Beach will not be intimidated — ICE has NO PLACE in our city," in a tweet reported by CBS News Los Angeles.
The parade, a vibrant cultural event that draws large crowds annually to celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, will now be on hiatus until next year. The city plans to return with the event in 2026, assuring that unspent funds from this year's budget will be added to the next, supplying a total of $100,000 for the parade, as mentioned by City Councilwoman Mary Zendejas and reported by KTLA. Furthermore, the Arte y Ofrendas Festival, which typically coincides with the parade, has also been canceled.
In response to the recent developments, Long Beach city officials are encouraging residents to seek available support services tailored to the immigrant communities. Resources on offer include legal aid, housing assistance, and mental health support, which can be accessed through the Long Beach Justice Fund. More information is available at the city's website or by calling the city's Resource Line, according to information obtained by KTLA. The city remains committed to hosting cultural events that celebrate its diverse constituents and looks forward to reviving the parade next year.
