Barrio Arts Fest, Colombian Independence Day Celebration draw crowds despite DHS concerns; agents seen at Puerto Rican museum
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — After spotting Department of Homeland Security agents near one of the locations earlier this week, there were worries about potential immigration raids at two Chicago festivals over the weekend.

Despite those concerns, the Barrio Arts Fest and Colombian Independence Day Celebration both drew big crowds.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Event organizers, including those involved with the Barrio Arts Festival in Humboldt Park, chose not to cancel due to ICE raid concerns. Instead, they took measures to be ready should those worries prove true.

“What they did was help to united the Latino community,” said Billy Ocasio, director of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

We’re a little bit afraid… Hispanic people, we are really afraid now and we shouldn’t be.

Guilibaleo Criollo, Colombian Independence Day Celebration organzier

In the midst of enjoying Puerto Rican pride was also some lingering concerns.

“Living just around the corner, I feel it’s vital for our community to enjoy celebrating our culture, diversity, and the arts fearlessly,” expressed Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois’ 3rd District.

The two-day Barrio Arts Festival in Humboldt Park continued this weekend amid those fears and confusion about possible ICE raids. That’s why organizers said security was hired to keep federal agents from entering the private property at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, where the event is hosted, while also having immigration attorneys on hand.

The extra precautions come after surveillance video showed a group of Department of Homeland Security officers in the parking lot of the museum on Tuesday.

“At a time where Homeland Security wants to demonstrate or try to portray fear, we’re saying ‘presente, we are here,'” Ramirez said.

Museum officials said the agents refused to show a warrant and believed they were trying to scope out the area ahead of this weekend’s event.

“People said, ‘If they could do this to a Puerto Rican museum – Puerto Ricans are citizens – imagine what they’re planning for us,'” Ocasio said. “We put together protocols to make sure that, if they do show up, how we’re going to handle it. So, other communities are learning from us and preparing from us.”

That includes organizers at the Colombian Independence Day Celebration in Logan Square.

“We’re a little bit afraid,” organizer Guilibaleo Criollo said.

That fear is why volunteers handed out fliers for any undocumented people to know their rights while some other volunteers kept an eye out for any sightings of federal agents.

“Hispanic people, we are really afraid now and we shouldn’t be, so hopefully, next year it will be better for us,” Criollo said.

Back at the Barrio Arts Festival, DHS told ABC 7 that its agents were gathered in the parking lot earlier this week as part of an unrelated narcotics investigation and not for any immigration enforcement.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
South Carolina triple murderer set to be third man to die by firing squad in state this year

South Carolina Prepares for Execution of Third Inmate by Firing Squad in 2023

A South Carolina man convicted of murdering three individuals over two decades…
68-year-old arrested following string of burglaries at Jacksonville family businesses, police say

Jacksonville Family Businesses Targeted in Burglary Spree: 68-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

Authorities have charged a 68-year-old Jacksonville resident, Arthur Virgil, in connection with…
Illegal alien truck driver presses for blood samples, vehicle analysis in deadly Florida disaster

Undocumented Truck Driver Requests Blood Tests and Vehicle Examination Following Fatal Florida Incident

In a dramatic courtroom appearance, Harjinder Singh faced the legal consequences of…
Charlotte promises to resist pending federal immigration raids: 'Campaign of terror'

Charlotte Vows to Oppose Upcoming Federal Immigration Raids: Describes Them as a ‘Campaign of Terror

In Charlotte, North Carolina, city officials are bracing for an impending federal…
Dem Sen. Cory Booker Does Not Shy Away From Answering Query About Chuck Schumer’s Future

Senator Cory Booker Addresses Questions on Chuck Schumer’s Future with Confidence

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has recently brought to light a…
'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' is streaming for free this weekend. Here's how to watch

Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ for Free This Weekend: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

This weekend presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving…
'Bad Oil Changes': Vehicles left unusable after damage from service at Jiffy Lube locations in Aurora, Berwyn, drivers say

Vehicle Damage Claims Arise from Oil Changes at Jiffy Lube Locations in Aurora and Berwyn, Drivers Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team is delving into consumer complaints about…
Antifa members indicted in Texas ICE facility riot, attempted murder of officer

Texas ICE Facility Riot: Antifa Members Indicted for Attempted Officer Murder

Nine individuals associated with an Antifa group were formally indicted on Friday,…
Judge rules Boston fraudster Brian Walshe competent to stand trial in wife's murder

Boston Fraudster Brian Walshe Deemed Competent to Stand Trial in Wife’s Murder Case, Judge Rules

A Massachusetts judge has ruled that Brian Walshe, a Boston-area fraud convict…
Vine is being rebooted as 'diVine,' a short-form video app that bans AI content

DiVine Launches: Reviving Vine’s Legacy with a Human-Only Video Platform

Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of Twitter, is throwing his support behind…
US Attorney's Office in Chicago experiencing unprecedented leadership exodus, some in legal community say

Mass Leadership Exodus: Unraveling the Unprecedented Shake-Up at Chicago’s US Attorney’s Office

In an unexpected shakeup, Chicago’s legal scene has been rattled by a…
Newlyweds found dead days before celebrating their first anniversary: police

Tragic End: Newlywed Couple’s Lives Cut Short in Apparent Murder-Suicide Just Days Before Anniversary

Editor’s Note: This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or…