Immigration enforcement concerns ahead of Fiesta Del Sol, ICRR to pass out 'know your rights' at Chicago festival this weekend
Fiesta Sel Sol starts Thursday in Pilsen.
Community members are worried about federal immigration agents showing up to the one of the largest Latino festivals in the country.
About 1.3 million people are expected to attended throughout four days.
On Monday, Fiesta Del Sol organizers, elected leaders, and immigrant advocates called on federal agents to stay out of community festivals.
Earlier this month, Department of Homeland Security agents were spotted at the parking lot of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture ahead of the Barrio Arts Fest.
Museum staff reported seeing a large number of unmarked vehicles and men who identified themselves only as Homeland Security agents.
Homeland Security denied they were targeting the museum, and said they were having a quick briefing at the museum's parking lot in advance of an enforcement action related to a narcotics investigation.
Ahead of the event, organizers and elected leaders are demanding federal agencies to not target their community celebrations.
"We are here today to show unity, solidarity" Fiesta Del Sol Co-Chair Juana Medina said. "To let them know that our community events are a safe place of joy. Because at Fiesta Del Sol, we protect our families and defend our rights."
"Even if such operations have not yet been fully executed, we can see that ICE is preparing for it. It's why festival organizers across the city and across the suburbs need to be prepared themselves," Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights spokesperson Brandon Lee said. "ICIRR staff provided training sessions for vendors and volunteers and 'know your rights' materials to pass out to attendees. Regardless of whether ICE shows ups, we all need to be prepared to protect our friends and neighbors."
ABC7 reached out to DHS and ICE, but has yet to hear a response.
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