Barrio Arts Fest, Colombian Independence Day Celebration draw crowds despite DHS concerns; agents seen at Puerto Rican museum
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — There were concerns about immigration raids at two weekend festivals in Chicago after Department of Homeland Security agents were seen near one of the sites this week.

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

Organizers of both events, including at the Barrio Arts Festival in Humboldt Park, say they didn’t want to cancel the events because of concerns of possible ICE raids. So instead, they prepared in case those fears came to fruition.

“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.

“I live around the corner, and I want to make sure that our community is able to celebrate our culture, diversity, the arts without any fear,” said 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.

SEE ALSO | ‘I wanted to do something to fight back’: New app lets users know when ICE agents are in their area

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.

SEE ALSO | City of Chicago joins lawsuit over effort to block funds for sanctuary cities

“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 and Follow
You May Also Like
New Jersey man fractures girl's skull by allegedly throwing rock through school bus window, arrest made

Illegal Immigrant Allegedly Hurls Rock at NJ School Bus, Injuring Child: DHS Reports

A man from New Jersey is facing allegations of injuring a young…
Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car? It depends on where you live

Driving with Snow on Your Car: Legal or Not? Find Out What Your State Says

While state laws differ, motorists can still incur fines or receive citations…
Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Tragic Loss: ICU Nurse Fatally Shot by Federal Officer in Minneapolis Sparks Outcry

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis tragedy has sparked conversations about compassion and…
EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - Armed community response members patrol near the scene where 37-year-old Alex Pretti was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer earlier in the day, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)

Minneapolis Shooting Sparks Political Divide as Leaders Interpret Disturbing Videos Differently

On Saturday, videos rapidly circulated showing the tragic shooting of a protester…
Whistleblower accuses Trump admin of Minneapolis shooting cover-up

Whistleblower Alleges Cover-Up by Trump Administration in Minneapolis Shooting Incident

The Trump administration is facing accusations of trying to obscure the details…
Idaho murders photos put police on damage control as families fume over accidental release

Idaho Murders: Police Scramble for Damage Control After Accidental Photo Leak Sparks Family Outrage

WARNING: Graphic Content Local officials have raised concerns after graphic crime scene…
The stereotypes Dubai expats find so offensive - but they're all true

Debunking Dubai: The Surprising Truth Behind Stereotypes That Expats Find Offensive

For many travelers today, Dubai stands out as a top-tier destination when…
Elizabeth Smart reveals her kidnapper tried to abduct her teen cousin as his ‘next wife’

Elizabeth Smart Exposes Chilling Plot: Kidnapper Targeted Her Teen Cousin for ‘Next Wife

Elizabeth Smart, a survivor of a high-profile abduction, recently revealed chilling details…