{"id":30530,"date":"2025-10-30T18:13:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T18:13:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/30530\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T18:13:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T18:13:20","slug":"dia-de-los-muertos-events-across-socal-remain-persistent-despite-worries-of-ice-raids-press-telegram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/30530\/","title":{"rendered":"D\u00eda de los Muertos events across SoCal remain persistent despite worries of ICE raids \u2013 Press Telegram"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Latino and immigrant communities across Southern California \u2013 and the nation \u2013 continue to be impacted by ongoing federal immigration enforcement, they are also preparing to start celebrating a significant holiday of family and resilience, D\u00eda de los Muertos.<\/p>\n

Day of the Dead is a holiday typically celebrated with colorful and lively parades and celebrations. But while a majority of cities and organizations seem to be going ahead with their plans, some have opted to skip their annual large-scale events this year to protect community members from any federal immigration raids that could possibly happen.<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos \u2013 or Day of the Dead<\/a> \u2013 is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that holds great importance for people in Mexico and Central America, and for many Latinos in the United States, to honor and commemorate the lives of the dead and to welcome the return of their spirits. The holiday is observed annually from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s holiday, though, has been somewhat overshadowed by the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who continue having a presence in several Southern California cities. Since June, federal immigration authorities have ramped up operations across the country to fulfill President Donald Trump\u2019s promise of mass deportations.<\/p>\n

Administration officials say the operations have resulted in the arrest of many violent felons who have criminal convictions or pending charges, and the increased enforcement is necessary to make the nation safe. Immigration rights organizations and local officials, though, have said the raids have continued to target innocent working people, often based on profiling, including day laborers and car wash workers.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cLet Freedom Ring: Honoring Our Immigrant Ancestors\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"From<\/p>\n

From left, Sandy Concha and Melissa Unpingco attend the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cMetamorphosis\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

Community ofrendas on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cSeeds in the Desert: Hope Knows No Borders\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

Community ofrendas on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cThrough Shadows of Sacrifice, Women Carried by Hope\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cLet Freedom Ring: Honoring Our Immigrant Ancestors\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

Community ofrendas on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

Community ofrendas on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Community<\/p>\n

Community ofrendas on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"From<\/p>\n

From left, Andrew Dahlgren and his eleven-year-old son Benjamin Dahlgren admire an ofrenda on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 12<\/p>\n

An ofrenda titled \u201cLet Freedom Ring: Honoring Our Immigrant Ancestors\u201d on display during the annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

More than 59,000 people were in ICE custody nationwide as of this month, according to data from TRAC Reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Department of Homeland Security, when asked, did not directly say whether ICE would target Dia de los Muertos celebration this week. But in a Monday, Oct. 27, statement, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused elected officials and the media of fearmongering.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder Secretary (Kristi) Noem, our brave law enforcement officers are delivering on President (Donald) Trump\u2019s and the American people\u2019s mandate to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens to make America safe,\u201d McLaughlin said. \u201cThose who are not here illegally and are not breaking other laws have nothing to fear. Elected officials and media choosing to fearmonger by distorting reality are doing a great disservice to our country and are responsible for the nearly 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE officers.\u201d<\/p>\n

But since this summer, out of caution, organizers have canceled multiple celebrations and events, most recently with Hispanic Heritage Month<\/a>. But some events have remained \u2014 with much success. The East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade and Festival, for example, took place last month and was well attended.<\/p>\n

And even though Downtown Los Angeles has been the backdrop for many ICE operations and protests condemning the Trump administration\u2019s actions, it will still play host to several D\u00eca de los Muertos events.<\/p>\n

Gloria Molina Grand Park, in fact, is still holding its annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration. The park\u2019s free, weeklong celebration began on Saturday, Oct. 25, and will run through Sunday, Nov. 1, featuring altars, art, music and community gatherings.<\/p>\n

L.A. park officials encouraged people to explore the 19 altars created by professional artists and local organizations, reflecting the diverse stories and cultures of Los Angeles. Curated by renowned artist Consuelo G. Flores, this year\u2019s theme is \u201cLet Freedom Ring: Honoring Our Immigrant Ancestors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made a decision to move forward with it because I think it\u2019s important for us to still provide this free community programming, and hopefully people show up,\u201d said Robert Gonzalez, director of Gloria Molina Grand Park. \u201cThis is, in my opinion, a form of resistance to what\u2019s going on. We want to make sure that, yes, there are things going on in the city, county and in the country, but by still hosting these events, we\u2019re pushing back to say, \u2018You are not going to prevent us from still living our lives and enjoying what\u2019s out there to offer to the community.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Since the event is in a public space, Gonzalez said, organizers will have security measures in place during the opening and closing celebrations to ensure people\u2019s safety, but it\u2019s not guaranteed. While no potential ICE raids are known of, park officials will be vigilant. But, he added, organizers will also rely on attendees to communicate with them if anything seems wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are being cautious, but we\u2019re not making any adjustments to how we usually do events,\u201d Gonzalez said. \u201cWe\u2019re definitely going to rely on the public, and we\u2019re going to keep our ears to the streets to see if we hear anything as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every year, the altars on display resonate with people in different ways, Gonzalez said, and he hopes that this year is no different as people come out to celebrate the important holiday for Latino and immigrant communities together at Gloria Molina Grand Park.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just encourage people to explore all of the different altars that we have, because each one has a different message, and each one may resonate with you differently,\u201d he said, \u201cand that\u2019s the beauty of it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

Celebrations and events will also continue in the Inland Empire. Leaders and event organizers, though, have considered Latino residents\u2019 fears when planning events. The Moreno Valley City Council, for example, pondered canceling city-sponsored events popular with Latinos, such as its Mexican Independence Day celebration, but decided to move forward. In Riverside, its Day of the Dead celebration<\/a> will move forward as well.<\/p>\n

In Santa Ana, the D\u00eda de los Muertos Magic of the Altars<\/a> event at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 1, will have art making, face painting, interactive activities and more. City officials said that it will be an opportunity for residents to honor dead loved ones, share stories, create special themed crafts and connect with the community.<\/p>\n

Read more: 10 ways to celebrate D\u00eda de los Muertos in Southern California<\/a><\/p>\n

In the South Bay, Downey\u2019s 12th D\u00eda de los Muertos Art Festival will take place on Sunday at the Downey Theatre. It will host numerous art exhibitions ranging from traditional to avant-garde, realistic to surrealistic. The festival is one of the city\u2019s most popular and prestigious events, and city officials expect more than 25,000 attendees.<\/p>\n

San Pedro\u2019s annual D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/a> festivities also took place on Sunday, Oct. 26, despite concerns about ICE being present. Earlier this month, ICE conducted multiple operations in San Pedro<\/a> \u2014 arresting several people.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile we must remain vigilant and look out for one another,\u201d Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker said in a statement, \u201cwe cannot allow the unconstitutional and chaotic actions of the federal government to dampen our local spirit or our ability to come together as a community to celebrate such an important holiday.\u201d<\/p>\n

McOsker, whose 15th District is also set to have Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Wilmington and Harbor City on Saturday, said he requested extra security.<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos events, though, have been canceled by some cities and organizations throughout the High Desert. Victorville\u2019s Family Assistance Program hosted a sold-out D\u00eda de los Muertos Gala last year, but the event was canceled this year because of concerns and fears about ICE showing up.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur community partners and planners were concerned that holding the event would draw the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, potentially resulting in a raid,\u201d organizers told the Daily Press<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A notable cancellation in the Southland was Long Beach\u2019s annual D\u00eda de los Muertos parade<\/a>. City officials said they made the decision out of an \u201cabundance of caution\u201d related to community fears about possible federal immigration raids.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis decision did not come lightly,\u201d Councilmember Mary Zendejas, who represents the First District where the annual parade takes place, said in a statement last month, \u201cand was a result of concerns related to activities in the region being conducted by federal law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Typically, the parade draws hundreds of visitors to a route along downtown\u2019s Pine Avenue.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re taking every step to protect and defend our residents,\u201d said Mayor Rex Richardson. \u201cUnfortunately, in this case, it means not moving forward with the Dia de los Muertos Parade this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, however, did host its annual D\u00eda de los Muertos Festival on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year\u2019s theme is resilience,\u201d said Alison Heney, vice president of learning and public programs at MOLAA. \u201cWe\u2019re celebrating our community and the capacity to endure and overcome hardships.\u201d<\/p>\n

The festival featured folklorico and mariachi performances, live music, dancing, authentic Latin American food, local vendors, art workshops and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cMOLAA has been doing the Day of the Dead Festival for multiple years,\u201d said Solimar Salas, deputy director of MOLAA. \u201cIt\u2019s been an integral part of our cultural programming at MOLAA, and it\u2019s something that is identified so much with the mission of the institution, not just in the artistic sense, but also in a cultural sense. For us, it was a key event that we needed to move forward with. We\u2019re very excited to see the people who can attend.\u201d<\/p>\n

Local nonprofits and other institutions, such as Forest Lawn, are also moving forward with their annual D\u00eda de los Muertos celebrations. On Sunday, Nov. 2, Forest Lawn\u2019s Cathedral City, Covina Hills, Cypress and Glendale locations will host community events to honor the memories of the dead and bridge connections with ancestors. Colorful altars, Catrina and alebrije (spirit guide) artwork, folklorico dance and mariachi performances, arts and crafts, face painting and more will be offered at each location.<\/p>\n

\u201cForest Lawn\u2019s lively and colorful D\u00eda de los Muertos events welcome the community to our memorial parks for an authentic Mexican celebration of life,\u201d said Rodolfo Saenz, Forest Lawn\u2019s senior vice president of marketing. \u201cWe look forward to coming together to honor the traditions and lives of the past and celebrating the vitality of the present.\u201d<\/p>\n

Centro CHA, a Long Beach nonprofit, will also host its own event for Long Beach residents on Saturday, with organizers saying it\u2019s important to do so, especially after the city decided not to move forward with the parade. Organizers say it is an opportunity to celebrate a holiday that is important for the Latino and immigrant community \u2014 even during difficult times.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see firsthand how it\u2019s affecting our community as a whole, and we understand that the threats are very present and imminent,\u201d said Ariana Sahagun, community health justice manager at Centro CHA. \u201cIt\u2019s understanding that a large-scale event may pose some threats for our community members, but we also want to ensure that we are still creating those spaces of support and hope for the community to continue being able to celebrate these traditions and ensure that we\u2019re not being silenced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Centro CHA is anticipating hundreds of people to attend their event \u2013 invitations are being spread by word-of-mouth for community members\u2019 safety \u2013 as organizers see it necessary for people to feel supported and celebrated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe understand it\u2019s a real threat; it\u2019s not something that we take lightly,\u201d Sahagun said. \u201cWe know that the city did that to ensure we\u2019re making good decisions for the community as a whole, but we still understand that we have to ensure that we\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donna Littlejohn and Allyson Vergara contributed to this report.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As Latino and immigrant communities across Southern California \u2013 and the nation \u2013 continue to be impacted by…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":30531,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[7,14,131,133,132,137,100],"class_list":{"0":"post-30530","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-long-beach","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-immigration","10":"tag-long-beach","11":"tag-long-beach-headlines","12":"tag-long-beach-news","13":"tag-los-angeles-county","14":"tag-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30530","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30530"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30530\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30530"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30530"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30530"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}