Across the United States, the vibrant rhythms of mariachi, the aroma of traditional dishes, and the swirl of folkloric dance signal the arrival of Hispanic Heritage Month—a time set aside to honor the culture, history, and contributions of more than 63 million Latinos. Yet, as parades and proclamations fill city streets from Houston to Everett, a quieter reality shadows the festivities: the persistent fear of deportation and the challenges posed by evolving immigration policies.
In Houston, where the Hispanic and Latino community makes up a striking 44% of the population, celebrations are both a testament to resilience and a reflection of anxiety. As reported by KIAH, the city’s neighborhoods pulse with Latino influence, shaping everything from its food scene to its economic landscape. But this year, the usual exuberance of Hispanic Heritage Month is tempered by caution. Dr. Sergio Lira, President of Greater Houston LULAC and a U.S. citizen, described it plainly: “There’s just a cloud over all the celebrations. I call it the cloud of fear of being arrested.”
For many, the month—running annually from September 15 to October 15—has always been about more than just looking back. It’s a moment to recognize the central role Latinos play in the city’s present and future. Cesar Espinosa, Executive Director of FIEL, emphasized this point, saying, “This month is there to highlight all the positive things that our community is doing in different spaces all around the city of Houston and the country.”
But recent enforcement directives, including heightened ICE raids and stricter immigration policies, have cast a long shadow. According to KIAH, these measures have intensified fears, even among U.S. citizens. “My wife and I and friends are reluctant to even go out now because we may get arrested, although we’re US citizens,” Lira admitted. The impact is tangible: at the Fiestas Patrias Parade in downtown Houston on September 13, 2025, fewer people lined the streets than in years past, their absence a silent testament to the community’s unease.
Espinosa described the atmosphere as “bittersweet,” noting, “We see some of the celebrations that usually would take place around Hispanic Heritage Month; we see less people coming out, and people are afraid to come out.” The advice from community leaders has shifted accordingly. Rather than large public gatherings, Lira now suggests celebrating at home or in the safety of a church, always with a note of caution: “Celebrate your culture. Celebrate it at home with your family, at church, or at church events. But be careful when you go out into the community.”
Yet, even as uncertainty lingers, the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month endures. The resilience of Houston’s Latino community is evident in every flag waved and every song sung, a reminder that their culture and contributions are not just woven into the city’s past but are central to its future.
Far to the northwest, in Snohomish County, Washington, similar themes of pride and perseverance played out as local governments and civic leaders marked the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with official resolutions and public recognition. The City of Lynnwood kicked off the celebrations on September 8, 2025, followed by a county-wide observance on September 10, as reported by the Lynnwood Times. Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, the first Latina elected as Snohomish PUD Commissioner, spoke from the heart: “As an immigrant myself, I carry a story of resilience and hope, a story shared by many of you. I also carry the love and sacrifices of my parents, grandparents, and ancestors, whose values of family, hard work, and service continue to guide me.”
The significance of the month is rooted in history. According to the United States Census Bureau, Hispanics comprise roughly 20% of the nation’s population—about 68 million people. In Washington state, 1.14 million persons of Latin descent call it home, with approximately 100,000 Latinos in Snohomish County alone. The tradition of honoring Hispanic heritage began as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established by Congress, and was later expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan. President H.W. Bush officially proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month, and in 2020, President Donald J. Trump set the dates as September 15 to October 15. The timing is no accident: September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrating their own independence days shortly thereafter.
But as Deputy Consul Gerardo Javier Guiza Vargas of the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle told council members, the celebrations are not without their challenges. “However, amid this celebration, our community also faces real fears; the fear of deportation, family separation, and restrictions on essential services,” he said. These anxieties have had a “chilling effect on community participation, eroding trust in public institutions and heightening concerns about racial discrimination.” Still, Guiza Vargas pointed to the community’s resilience: “Even so, the Hispanic and Latino community shows admirable resilience every day; we enrich the culture and the economy with vision, conviction, and determination.”
Calls for greater civic engagement echoed throughout the event. Guiza Vargas encouraged those of Latin descent to participate in the political process, saying, “Only then can we guarantee the rights of your families and the rights of future generations.” Honorary Consul of Spain, Luis Fernando Esteban, reflected on the growing economic ties between Washington state and Spain, noting a major Boeing order for 50 737 MAX planes by Iberia. “Everything you develop here is like you learn from the mistakes in the South [of Washington state], and you fix it, and now you are taking off like a rocket!” Esteban enthused.
The celebrations in Snohomish County also served as a platform to honor local leaders making a difference. Maria Casey, founder of Fat Brush Art Workshop, was recognized for inspiring creativity, especially among special needs communities. Micaela “Mika” Sarmiento, a Bolivian activist, spoke of her commitment to diversity and social causes, quoting Cesar Chavez on cultural respect. Zita Paulino, founder of Folklore Oaxaqueño Senteo, was celebrated for preserving Oaxaca’s cultural heritage through dance, while Tony Hernandez of Los Gavilanes Mexican store was acknowledged as a pillar of the community since 2006. Estela Carrera-Infante, founder of Familias Fuertes Comunidades Prósperas, was honored for 35 years of work supporting migrant and Latino families. Jorge Enrique Gonzalez Pacheco, founder of the Seattle Latino Film Festival, continues to promote Latin American cinema, and Paula Madrigal, Music Director of Orquesta Northwest, blends her expertise with a passion for inclusive musical education.
Local officials underscored the importance of standing together during challenging times. “It is so great to be part of the...greater family of Snohomish County. But what you bring to the community is invaluable,” said Councilman Strom Peterson. “It is a very scary time for many in your community. And I think this shows that Snohomish County is standing with you. So, we will stand together and protect each other and care for each other and appreciate what we all bring to each other.”
For leaders like Karina Gasperin, recognized in Lynnwood, the month is more than symbolic. “This proclamation is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a recognition of generations of contributions, hard work, and cultural richness that our communities bring to the city of Lynnwood every single day,” she told council members.
From Houston’s bustling streets to the halls of Snohomish County government, Hispanic Heritage Month stands as both a celebration and a call to action—a time to honor the past, confront the present’s challenges, and build a future where every thread of Latino heritage is woven securely into the American tapestry.