Festivals in Colombia Send Message to ICE: Demand Cease Operations

Colombian Festival Showcases resilience Amidst Immigration Concerns

CHICAGO – The vibrant spirit of the Colombian community shone brightly this past weekend at the annual Colombian festival,where vendors like SAS Foods Inc. continued to share their rich cultural offerings. Despite some sellers facing challenges with staffing and immigration status,leading to their absence,the festival persevered,highlighting the enduring strength and unity of the community.

SAS Foods Inc., a family-run business specializing in traditional Colombian delicacies such as empanadas and breads, has been a staple at the festival for years. Stella Londoño, a key figure in the business alongside her daughter Alexandra García and husband Edilberto Londoño, emphasized the importance of staying connected. “We stay together,” Londoño stated. “We stay faithful to our colombian essence and stay together as a family, as friends, as a community, as this is what unites ourselves… we support each other and say that we can achieve it.”

This sentiment of solidarity extends beyond the festival grounds. José ochoa, President and Executive Director of the National Museum of mexican Art (NMMA) in Pilsen, has been actively collaborating with Billy Ocasio, director of the Puerto Rican Museum, to create protective measures for visitors in light of immigration enforcement concerns. Ochoa recounted an incident on July 3rd where a sheriff’s deputy entered the Pilsen Museum, using the facilities. while the visit was brief, Ochoa views it as a potential precursor to more intrusive actions.”We should not cow or hide,” Ochoa asserted, underscoring the commitment of cultural institutions like the NMMA and the Puerto Rican Museum to serve as safe havens for their communities.

The enduring presence of vendors like SAS Foods Inc. and the proactive community leadership exemplified by Ochoa and Ocasio demonstrate a powerful resilience. As these cultural enclaves continue to celebrate their heritage and support one another, they reinforce the idea that community bonds are a vital source of strength in navigating challenging times.This commitment to “staying together” serves as an evergreen insight: shared identity and mutual support are fundamental to overcoming adversity and preserving cultural traditions for future generations.

How do festivals in Colombia provide a unique advantage for raising awareness about ICE policies compared to other protest venues?

The Growing Protest Movement

Colombia’s vibrant festival culture is increasingly becoming a platform for political expression, specifically directed at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Over the past year, several major festivales – not just one, but festivals across the country – have incorporated demonstrations and messaging demanding ICE cease its operations, especially regarding deportations and its impact on colombian families. This isn’t a fringe movement; it’s a significant trend gaining momentum. The core issue revolves around the increasing number of Colombian nationals, many with deep ties to the country, being deported after decades in the United States.

Key Festivals Involved & Protest tactics

Several prominent Colombian festivals have been focal points for anti-ICE activism. These include:

Barranquilla’s Carnival: Traditionally a party of cultural heritage, the 2024 and 2025 Carnivals saw comparsas (dance groups) incorporating protest themes into their performances. Costumes and choreography directly addressed the human cost of ICE deportations.

Medellín’s Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores): While known for its silleteras (flower displays), the 2024 festival featured a dedicated “Silletera de la Resistencia” – a flower display specifically designed to symbolize resistance against ICE policies.

Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá: This internationally renowned theater festival hosted several plays and performances explicitly addressing the themes of migration, deportation, and the impact of ICE on Colombian communities.

Vallenato Festival: Even this traditionally apolitical music festival saw artists dedicating songs and performances to deported individuals and their families.

Protest tactics employed during these festivals include:

1. Symbolic Performances: Dance, music, and theatre are being used to visually represent the stories of deported individuals and the pain of separated families.
2. Public Art Installations: Murals and temporary art installations are appearing in festival spaces, displaying messages of solidarity and resistance.
3. Petition Drives: Activists are using festivals as opportunities to gather signatures for petitions demanding ICE reform.
4. Direct Action & marches: Organized marches and demonstrations are frequently enough timed to coincide with major festival events.
5. Social Media Campaigns: #NoMasDeportaciones (No More Deportations) and #ICEFueraDeColombia (ICE Get Out of Colombia) are trending hashtags used to amplify the message globally.

The human Cost: Stories of Deportation

The protests aren’t abstract; they are fueled by real-life stories. Many Colombians have lived in the U.S. for decades, building families and contributing to the economy. Recent ICE enforcement priorities have led to the deportation of individuals with no serious criminal records, leaving behind spouses, children, and aging parents.

Case Study: The Ramirez Family: Carlos Ramirez, a Colombian immigrant who lived in Florida for 25 years, was deported in 2023 despite having no criminal history. His U.S.-born children and wife remain in the U.S., struggling financially and emotionally. His story, widely shared during the Barranquilla Carnival, became a symbol of the injustice faced by many.

The Impact on Remittances: Deportations considerably impact the flow of remittances – a crucial source of income for many Colombian families. The loss of a family member’s income can push families into poverty.

Why Festivals? The Power of Cultural Platforms

Festivals in Colombia are deeply ingrained in the national identity. They are spaces for community gathering,cultural expression,and celebration. Activists are strategically leveraging these platforms for several reasons:

Increased Visibility: Festivals attract large crowds, including both domestic and international media, providing a powerful platform to raise awareness.

Emotional Resonance: The emotional power of music, dance, and art can effectively convey the human impact of ICE policies.

Community Mobilization: Festivals bring people together, facilitating collective action and strengthening the protest movement.

Cultural Legitimacy: Framing the issue within the context of Colombian culture adds legitimacy and resonance to the protests.

ICE’s Response & future Outlook

ICE has not directly addressed the protests originating from Colombian festivals. However, the agency maintains that its enforcement actions are based on legal authority and prioritize the removal of individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Critics argue that this justification is often used to justify the deportation of individuals with minor offenses or no criminal record.

The trend of using festivals as protest platforms is expected to continue. Activists are planning even larger and more coordinated demonstrations during upcoming festivals, aiming to pressure the U.S. government to reconsider its ICE policies and address the concerns of the