For many Latino immigrant families in the Twin Cities, this winter meant staying out of sight.
The surge in federal immigration enforcement spread fear and reshaped daily life. Some families avoided routine errands. Some businesses went quiet or closed their doors for good.
One of the first major public gatherings focused on Latino heritage since then brought people back outside on Saturday for what they described as some much-needed celebration.
By mid-morning, Cesar Chavez Street on St. Paul’s West Side was packed for the annual Cinco de Mayo parade.
Kids darted through the crowd to catch candy tossed from floats, and grills sizzled with elote and taco meat. The rumble of lowriders painted with images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mexican flags was inescapable.
The parade, now more than 40 years old, draws thousands annually to celebrate Latino culture and commemorate a Mexican military victory in 1862. Over time, it has grown into one of the West Side’s largest traditions.
For many attendees, it’s a chance to reconnect with old neighbors. Leticia Vasquez grew up just blocks away from the parade and has been coming her whole life.
“It was so small in the beginning, then it just created this big flare that everyone wanted to be a part of,” she said. “It’s crazy how one thing can make people come together.”
Attendees said the celebration felt familiar and even better than ever.
“Everyone’s showing solidarity, coming out, showing support,” said attendee Dan Duncanson. “It’s awesome. It’s so West Side.”
A few months ago, a day like this didn’t feel possible.
Many Hispanic and Latino families hunkered down over the winter out of fear during, the federal immigration enforcement surge. Some worried they would be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during everyday activities like grocery shopping or taking their kids to school.
Santino Franco said he and other event organizers debated whether to hold the Cinco de Mayo parade at all.
“Do we want to do it? Do we just have a community gathering?” Franco said. “We’re looking at it as a way to get people together again, welcome people who have supported us all winter long.”
Some who attended Saturday said those fears haven’t fully gone away. Alondra Romero, who grew up on the West Side, said being back at the parade brought mixed emotions.
“Happy, but a little nervous,” she said. “It’s something that you’re always going to have in the back of your mind.”
Emeterio Leon and his wife, Silvia, were among vendors selling traditional Mexican and Guatemalan clothing. They said they weren’t sure if they would participate this year.
“As Latinos, we were very terrified with the stuff that was going on,” Emeterio Leon said. “We were concerned if we should do it or not do it, because we still don’t feel safe here.”
Still, the couple came.
“We just pray to God that everything’s going to be fine and do the best as we can to keep surviving in this country,” Leon said.
Throughout the day, many attendees emphasized showing up and being visible.
“We’re always out here, making sure people feel safe and people feel welcome in our community,” said Marissa Franco, a West Side Booster coach.
For Vasquez, the turnout itself was a sign of resilience.
“It only makes us stronger,” she said. “So, I’m happy people are out here today.”
Sylvia Leon echoed that sentiment.
“Our Latino community — we are strong,” she said. “And we’re thankful for the support.”
