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
President Trump speaking to the press.

Trump Imposes 30% Tariffs on EU and Mexico; Trade Deal Hopes Diminish

DONALD Trump has announced the EU and Mexico are set to face…
Texas deadly floods: Victims from the Houston area

Houston Area Casualties in Devastating Texas Floods

Early in the morning on July 4, a catastrophic flood in the…
Rosie O'Donnell at the opening night of "Sunday in the Park with George."

Trump Proposes Revoking Rosie O’Donnell’s Citizenship, Calls Her a ‘Threat to Humanity’ in Latest Feud

DONALD Trump has threatened to take away Rosie O’Donnell’s US citizenship, saying…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 6 shot, 1 fatally, in gun violence across city, police say

Weekend Shootings in Chicago: Gun Violence Leaves 6 Injured and 1 Dead, According to Police

CHICAGO (WLS) — Police have reported that at least six people have…
‘Peacemaker’ Trump can end Africa’s biggest war, former White House advisor says

Former White House Advisor Claims Trump Can Resolve Africa’s Largest Conflict

Following the recent success in resolving a conflict within Africa, President Donald…
Trump says he's considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, reigniting decadeslong feud

Trump contemplates stripping Rosie O’Donnell of citizenship, rekindling long-standing feud

President Donald Trump rekindled a long-standing feud with comedian Rosie O’Donnell on…
Texas Trump threat suspect arrested after allegedly writing 'I won’t miss' in social media post

Texas Resident Arrested for Alleged Social Media Threat, Declaring ‘I Won’t Miss’

A man from Texas was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly…
Furious mother-daughter duo viciously attacks driver for moving trash cans reserving parking spot: video

Irate Mother and Daughter Assault Driver for Shifting Trash Cans Saved for Parking: Watch the Video

Two people were taken into custody in New York City last week…
Missing teen surfer found alive on remote island miles from shore: 'Didn't give up hope'

Teen Surfer Rescued Alive on Remote Island After Being Missing: ‘Never Lost Hope’

A surfer who disappeared after heading into the ocean on Wednesday afternoon…
Unhealthy smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets the Upper Midwest when people want to be outside

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Covers Upper Midwest, Dampening Outdoor Plans

Much of the Upper Midwest faced extensive areas of poor air quality…
Texas high school senior helps save family from raging floodwaters

Brave Texas High School Senior Rescues Family from Severe Flooding

A high school senior experienced a small miracle upon returning home after…
30 years later: How deadly July, 1995 Chicago heat wave led to formation of Office of Emergency Management and Communications

Three Decades On: The Impact of Chicago’s July 1995 Heatwave on Creating the Office of Emergency Management and Communications

CHICAGO (WLS) — This time, 30 year ago, Chicago was grappling with…