HAMILTON, Ohio — During this Hispanic Heritage month, recent ICE raids and fears of immigration enforcement nearly shut down a popular Hispanic festival in only its second year of existence.
Organizers of Hamilton’s second Hispanic Festival say recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the area almost led them to cancel the second annual event. But community determination — and a desire to preserve cultural pride — pushed the festival forward.
“There’s a lot of raids, there’s a lot of fear within the community,” said Mitzi Hernandez, the festival’s event chair.
The festival, which debuted last year with more than 2,000 attendees, is coming back this Sunday to Marcum Park in Hamilton. But this year, organizers faced a very different challenge.
With recent ICE raids in nearby areas and the presence of an ICE detention facility at the Butler County Jail — just down the road — some feared that immigration enforcement could overshadow the event or discourage attendance.
“It’s rough in the immigrant community right now,” Hernandez said. “Not just the Hispanic community, but the whole immigrant community. So many people live in the shadows.”
Adriana Reyes, who founded the festival, said organizers seriously considered calling it off. But the community — and the importance of heritage — changed their minds.
“We need to still be able to celebrate, just like people of Irish or German descent have their own festivals,” Reyes said. “I’m from Mexico, and I want to celebrate where I come from.”
For Emily Wooden, a first-time organizer, the stakes were personal.
“I think about my daughter,” she said. “What example am I going to leave behind? What legacy? I want her and the next generation to see women like Adriana, Mitzi, and myself moving forward in the community.”
The event, held during Hispanic Heritage Month, now includes heightened security measures and coordination with local police to ensure safety. Organizers are encouraging attendees to celebrate in any way they feel comfortable — even from home.
“We’re asking that if you feel unsafe coming to Marcum Park, please celebrate from the rooftops, from your patio — wherever you are,” Hernandez said.
The Hamilton Hispanic Festival will take place Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Marcum Park, featuring live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Sheena Elzie
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