Popular US city cancels Cinco de Mayo celebration over deportation fears

By Mat Hoffman, Buzz60

Philadelphia's Latin American community is in no mood to party due to fear of an immigration crackdown.

Normally an event called El Carnaval de Puebla is held in the city in the spring.

It's a commemoration of Mexico's victory against France in the Battle of Puebla, which is also the inspiration behind Cinco de Mayo.

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But this year the event has been canceled.

Organizer Edgar Ramirez told NBC 10 that in light of recent stepped-up Immigrations and Customs Enforcement actions against illegal immigrants, there were concerns that Carnaval participants would be in danger of deportation.

Co-founder David Piña also told Al Día that the cancellation was an act of protest against President Trump's policies.

According to NBC 10, the event generally involves 450 marchers and as many as 15,000 celebrants.

Whether or not Carnaval returns in 2018 remains to be seen.