Hispanic Heritage Month has taken on a more somber tone this year as immigration crackdowns have made the local community more guarded.
The big picture: The combination of federal enforcement activities and widespread fear among immigrant communities has muted celebrations across the country, from California to New England.
Catch up quick: Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
- Its mid-September start aligns with the independence days of Mexico and multiple Latin American countries.
Zoom in: The Mexican consulate in Detroit honored Mexico’s Independence Day last September at El Grito, a public celebration referencing a tradition of the same name featuring music, dancing and food trucks on Bagley Street in the city’s Mexicantown neighborhood.
- The consulate scaled back this month, choosing to celebrate at a private event.
- “People need to be cautious right now,” Detroit Mexican Consul Roberto Nicolas Vazquez told El Central Hispanic News.
State of play: Pockets of Detroit’s Latino community, a significant portion of which resides in Southwest, have been in retreat mode this year as the Trump administration steps up immigration enforcement across the country…