‘Fear and uncertainty’: Everett officials cancel Hispanic Heritage Month festival amid ICE crackdown

City officials in Everett announced the cancellation of Fiesta Del Rio, an upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month event, due to a recent crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the area.

“We know how much this event means to our city. It’s a celebration of culture, music, food and togetherness,” Mayor Carlo DeMaria wrote Thursday on Facebook. “But with the recent ICE raids in our region, many of our friends and neighbors are feeling fear and uncertainty.”

The fourth annual Fiesta Del Rio was originally scheduled for Sept. 20 in Rivergreen Park, according to the city. The event celebrates local Hispanic-owned businesses, organizations, and cultural programs.

DeMaria said that it “would not be right” to hold the festival at a time when members of the community might feel unsafe attending. The free event was supposed to feature live music, art, and food from local vendors.

“We remain committed to celebrating our city’s diversity in the future, and we will look for other ways to come together as one community,” officials said.

The city did not provide further details about what alternative events would be planned, but said that they stand with the community.