Immigration fears dim Hispanic Heritage Month in Detroit
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Hispanic Heritage Month has taken on a more somber tone this year as immigration crackdowns have made the local community more guarded.
The big picture: The combination of federal enforcement activities and widespread fear among immigrant communities has muted celebrations across the country, from California to New England.
Catch up quick: Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
- Its mid-September start aligns with the independence days of Mexico and multiple Latin American countries.
Zoom in: The Mexican consulate in Detroit honored Mexico's Independence Day last September at El Grito, a public celebration referencing a tradition of the same name featuring music, dancing and food trucks on Bagley Street in the city's Mexicantown neighborhood.
- The consulate scaled back this month, choosing to celebrate at a private event.
- "People need to be cautious right now," Detroit Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez told El Central Hispanic News.
State of play: Pockets of Detroit's Latino community, a significant portion of which resides in Southwest, have been in retreat mode this year as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement across the country.
What they're saying: The community used to feel accepted and valued for its history and contributions, particularly to the economy, Ray Lozano, executive director of the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, tells Axios Detroit.
- "And this year, it's just, you know, gone. I'm really surprised," Lozano says, citing the recent arrest of a popular hot dog vendor on Springwells Street.
- Lozano says the landscape is complicated because many local families are blended with documented and undocumented members.
Zoom out: The Detroit Tigers had a Hispanic Heritage Night on Friday as part of the two-day ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration at Comerica Park.
- The Lions rolled out Plaza de los Leones before their Sept. 14 home opener against the Bears.
Other events include children's crafting activities on Oct. 7 at the Detroit Public Library's main branch and a party on Thursday at Six Spoke Brewing Co. near Michigan Central with the local Association of Latino Professionals for America chapter.
The bottom line: While some large institutions remain comfortable recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, local immigrant communities are less willing to celebrate openly.