Long Beach has canceled its annual Dia de los Muertos Parade over fears of rampant immigration enforcement raids, city officials announced Sunday.
The parade, in its tenth edition, was slated for early November in downtown Long Beach.
“This decision did not come lightly and was a result of concerns related to activities in the region being conducted by federal law enforcement. While the City is not aware of federal enforcement activity targeting the parade, a large and very public outdoor event, the decision to cancel this year’s parade was made out of an abundance of caution to address the genuine fears raised by community members, especially those who may face the possibility of sudden and indiscriminate federal enforcement actions that undermine the sense of security necessary to participate fully in public life,” wrote a city of Long Beach spokeperson in statement to NBC4.
The city plans to revive the parade next year and will carry over any unspent funding to the 2026 parade, according to officials.
The Arte and Ofrendas Festival, which works in concert with the parade, has also been canceled.
The decision comes a day after federal agents targeted a Long Beach car wash, detaining several employees, according to the general manager.
“I’ve been working here for 46 years and I’ve never been through this. We have good, honest people who pay their taxes,” said Ramón Paz, general manager of Bixby Knolls car wash. “They took away seven good, honest, noble people. People who deserve to have a job.”
The manager added that at least four of those detained had documentation granting them legal status in the country.
I’m aware of today’s ICE raid at Bixby Knolls Carwash in Long Beach.
Upon learning of this incident, my team immediately visited the site to support the owner and employees, and to connect them with resources. Our Economic Development Rapid Response team is also engaged.
Long…
— Office of Mayor Rex Richardson (@LongBeachMayor) September 13, 2025
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson commented on the immigrant enforcement operation and stated that his team was working to support the business and those affected.
“The City deeply values the vibrant cultural diversity of its community and is looking forward to continuing our Dia de los Muertos Parade next year,” wrote the city of Long Beach.
Source: NBC Los Angeles