The Museum of Contemporary Art, Santa Barbara, (MCASB) announced the cancellation of its annual “Calenda Dia de los Muertos” event programming due to community member’s concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.
Dalia Garcia, MCASB Executive Director, took to social media to make the announcement stating that after speaking with artists and community members, the museum made the difficult but necessary decision to pause the anticipated event.
“Although ICE raids may no longer dominate daily headlines, the threat to undocumented families remains very real. Policies that criminalize migration, restrict access to essential services, and sow fear continue to endanger lives,” Garcia stated.
The event was first held in 2023 with last year’s celebration bringing nearly 10,000 people to Paseo Nuevo and downtown Santa Barbara…