The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has canceled its Dia de los Muertos event due to concerns about Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the Central Valley.
The zoo said in a Facebook post that the decision reflects its desire to stand in solidarity with the community and to ensure safety.
The big picture: The Dia de los Muertos event was scheduled for Nov. 1.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 to remember family and friends who have passed away.
Driving the news: Politicians have sounded the alarm in recent weeks over heightened ICE activity in the Fresno area.
Last week, Rep. Adam Gray (D–Merced) held a press conference in Mendota to demand transparency from ICE.
Fresno City Councilman Miguel Arias recently called on people to avoid the Big Fresno Fair due to apparent ICE activity. While the fair said there has not been any confirmed sightings of ICE, Arias stood by his warning.
What they’re saying: “With our immigrant community top of mind, and after consulting with our community partners, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Día de los Muertos event this year,” the Fresno Chaffee Zoo wrote on Facebook. “Please understand that this decision reflects our desire to stand in solidarity with the community and ensure their safety.”
The zoo said it will still honor Dia de los Muertos with special decorations, an art display from Arte Americas and two ofrendas from Oct. 27 through Nov. 2. The zoo will also donate to nonprofit organization Faith in the Valley, which advocates for illegal immigrants.
“We remain committed to ensuring the Zoo is a safe and welcoming place for all families, and we believe this decision reflects that commitment to our community,” the zoo said.