As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds across the United States from September 15 to October 15, 2025, the usual vibrancy of parades, music, and food festivals is noticeably subdued. The national mood surrounding this annual celebration of Hispanic culture has shifted, shaped by a series of political developments and policy changes that have left many organizers—and would-be revelers—on edge.
According to recent U.S. Census estimates, more than 68 million people in the country identify as ethnically Hispanic, making this group the nation’s fastest-growing racial or ethnic minority. Yet this year, celebrations in major cities from Massachusetts and North Carolina to California and Washington state have been postponed or canceled, a stark departure from the customary fanfare. The cause? A combination of the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdowns, a federally led English-only initiative, and a pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, as reported by multiple sources including the Associated Press and NBC News.
For decades, Hispanic Heritage Month has been a time for Americans of all backgrounds to learn about and honor the vast contributions of Hispanic cultures—whose roots trace to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The tradition began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, thanks to legislation championed by Mexican American U.S. Rep. Edward R. Roybal and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to a month, anchoring it around September 15 to coincide with the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores”—the 1810 call that sparked Mexico’s independence from Spain. The timing also aligns with the independence days of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Chile, making it a period of rich historical resonance.
This year, however, the backdrop is markedly different. The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies have cast a long shadow over public gatherings. Masked ICE agents have conducted high-profile workplace raids, sometimes detaining legal residents, fueling fears that large celebrations could become targets for enforcement actions. The climate of uncertainty has been further complicated by federal discouragement of DEI programming, a stance that’s been mirrored by some companies and universities.
Organizers of the Mexican Independence festival in Chicago—a marquee event that typically draws hundreds of thousands for parades, street parties, and car caravans—announced in early September that they would postpone this year’s festivities. The decision, they said, was made with the community’s safety in mind. “It was a painful decision, but holding El Grito Chicago at this time puts the safety of our community at stake—and that’s a risk we are unwilling to take,” festival organizers stated, as reported by ABC7 Chicago. No new date has been set.
Illinois state Senator Karina Villa did not mince words at a recent news conference. “The fact that the federal government is sending troops as we start these celebrations is an insult,” she said. “It is a fear tactic. It’s unforgivable.” Her remarks echo a widespread sentiment among local leaders, who see the deployment of federal resources during cultural events as a move that sows fear rather than fosters security.
The ripple effects have been felt nationwide. Sacramento’s annual Mexican Independence Day festival was canceled, with organizers citing the fraught political climate and safety concerns. Other events—including the Hispanic Heritage Festival of the Carolinas, Hispanic Heritage Fest in Kenner, Louisiana, and FIESTA Indianapolis—have also been called off.
Ivan Sandoval-Cervantes, an anthropology professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, observed that the top-down cancellations are changing the way these celebrations are experienced. “If it’s not being celebrated by a specific state, that doesn’t mean they won’t be celebrated, but they might go into the private sphere,” he told USA Today. “Where it’s safer to embrace the symbols or even speak Spanish.”
South of the border, Mexico’s government has taken note of the heightened risks facing its nationals in the U.S. during these holidays. On September 12, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a public appeal urging Mexican migrants to exercise caution. “Rather than not celebrating, be cautious,” she advised, encouraging gatherings at Mexican consulates, where safety can be better ensured. Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary announced that consular staff would be increased during the holiday period to respond to emergencies. Mexican nationals encountering U.S. authorities were told: do not flee, remain silent, and do not sign any documents—a stark reminder of the precariousness many feel.
Even as community events recede, calls for peaceful protest have grown louder. Latino leaders in Chicago urged residents to remain calm during any demonstrations that might coincide with Mexican Independence Day. “We will not allow others to use our fear or our anger against us,” Berto Aguayo of the Chicago Latino Caucus Association declared. Another activist, Jenkins, added, “We will not take the bait. We will know our rights. We will protect each other and peacefully protest.” The message is clear: any unrest could be used as a justification for further federal intervention, a scenario many are keen to avoid.
This tense environment is set against the backdrop of shifting international relationships. On September 4, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the press at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, fielding questions about the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election—particularly regarding Canada’s posture toward Mexico. In the weeks following Donald Trump’s victory, Canadian officials, including former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, floated the idea of excluding Mexico from the USMCA trade deal, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford made disparaging remarks about comparisons with Mexico. These comments did not go unnoticed by Mexico’s political elite, who saw them as insulting and misguided.
Yet, as The Globe and Mail reported, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s September 2025 visit to Mexico signals a shift. Both countries, long dependent on U.S. trade, are now exploring ways to strengthen bilateral ties. Mexico has consistently maintained that the USMCA is a trilateral agreement, despite past U.S. pressure to exclude Canada. Carney’s mission is to reassure Mexican leaders that Canada is serious about forging a direct partnership, moving past the missteps of the previous year when panic over U.S. tariffs led some Canadian politicians to suggest abandoning Mexico.
For decades, both Canada and Mexico have found it difficult to look past the U.S. market, their businesses accustomed to the ease of selling to American customers. But with tariffs and political uncertainty mounting, there’s renewed impetus to rediscover the long-lost potential of direct Canada-Mexico trade—a development that could have lasting implications for the region’s economic landscape.
As Hispanic Heritage Month continues amid cancellations, caution, and calls for peace, the resilience of Hispanic communities—and their allies—remains unmistakable. Even as public celebrations shrink, the spirit of the month endures in smaller gatherings, private homes, and the ongoing push for dignity and recognition in a changing America.
