Parade Canceled Due To ICE-Raid Fears In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach officials have canceled this year's annual Día de los Muertos parade over fears of possible federal illegal immigration raids, it was reported this weekend.

The parade was expected to be held in early November.

City spokeswoman Jen De Prez told the Long Beach Post that officials were "not aware of federal enforcement activity targeting the parade," but decided to cancel it at the request of First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas.

The event typically draws hundreds of visitors to a route along downtown's Pine Avenue, featuring floats and music to celebrate the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition in which people pay respects to their departed loved ones.

Meanwhile, a Long Beach car wash was the site of an immigration enforcement operation on Saturday. Bixby Knolls Car Wash on Wardlow Street was the site of the raid, in which several people were detained, the business' general manager told NBC4.

"I'm aware of today's ICE raid at Bixby Knolls Carwash in Long Beach," Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said Saturday on X. "Upon learning of this incident, my team immediately visited the site to support the owner and employees, and to connect them with resources. Our Economic Development Rapid Response team is also engaged.

"Long Beach has dedicated resources to protect immigrant families and small businesses during this difficult time. Earlier this week, we adopted a budget that expands legal and educational support for workers and entrepreneurs. We continue to explore every legal avenue available to combat ICE's harmful actions.

"These federal raids are cruel, discriminatory, and unacceptable. Long Beach will not be intimidated — ICE has NO PLACE in our city," Richardson continued.

City News Service