Long Beach has canceled its annual Dia de los Muertos Parade due to concerns about potential immigration enforcement raids, city officials announced on Sunday. The parade, which was set to take place in early November, has been a staple event in downtown Long Beach for a decade.
The decision to cancel the parade was made “out of an abundance of caution,” according to a statement from the city. Despite no specific federal enforcement activity targeting the parade, fears of indiscriminate raids have been heightened by recent immigration operations in Southern California. Long Beach spokesperson Kevin Lee explained that the parade’s cancellation addresses “genuine fears raised by community members.”
First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas requested the cancellation, emphasizing the need to protect residents’ sense of security. The decision also affects the Arte y Ofrendas Festival, a related event that typically coincides with the parade.
The cancellation follows a recent immigration raid at a Long Beach car wash, where federal agents detained several employees, some of whom had legal documentation. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson stated that his team is working to support those affected by the raid.
City officials have assured that the parade will return in 2026, with unspent funds from this year allocated to next year’s event. Additionally, the Long Beach City Council has increased funding for the Long Beach Justice Fund, which provides legal representation to residents facing immigration actions.
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