Organizers of Waukegan’s Viva La Independencia Parade 2025 will step off Sunday as planned despite the hundreds of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stationed at nearby Naval Station Great Lakes as part of President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts.
Celebrating the independence of Mexico and six other Latin American countries, Elizabeth Marrero, part of parade organizer Juntoz NFP, said she expects a smaller crowd than last year. Still, she believes continuing the tradition is important for the community.
“We’re going to be here for the people who are not able to be here,” Marrero said. “We’re not stopping. We’re defending our community. We’ve been doing this for 30 years. If you don’t feel safe, please stay home. We’re doing everything we can to make people feel safe.”
The Viva La Independencia Parade 2025 steps off at noon Sunday near Waukegan High School’s Washington campus and proceeds east on Washington Street to downtown Waukegan with horses, bands and floats celebrating Mexican independence won on Sept. 16, 1810.
Working with the city, community organizations and other groups to bring symbols of Mexican culture to Waukegan Sunday, community safety and fear did not become a significant issue until late last week when approximately 300 ICE agents arrived at the North Chicago naval base.
Though witnesses said they saw ICE agents around the office they were using at the base last week, when U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Springfield, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, and U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, arrived the following day, they were gone.
“The office was locked and no one was there,” Duckworth said at a Sept. 5 press conference, where the trio did meet with naval personnel. “All our communication with them is oral. They don’t put anything in writing. Their mission is to scare people and put the community on edge.”
Another parade scheduled in Waukegan and North Chicago scheduled for Sunday was postponed, but other celebrations this weekend in Chicago and other communities, in addition to Waukegan, are taking place as originally planned. At the time, Marrero said community safety was her top priority.
As the parade approached, Marrero worked with city officials, including a meeting on Thursday to discuss final plans. Mayor Sam Cunningham said the city is committed to celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. The police, fire and public works departments are doing their part.
“This longstanding cultural tradition showcases the diversity that defines Waukegan,” Cunningham said in an email. “From public works to public safety, we are working closely with the parade organizers to provide the necessary support that will allow individuals and families to celebrate safely.”
Waukegan Police Chief Edgar Navarro said in an email that all police officers helping with security will be in full uniform and easy to distinguish from any ICE agents who may be there. They will abide by the Illinois TRUST Act, which prevents them from offering any aid to ICE.
“The Waukegan Police Department will not participate in federal immigration enforcement, as the (TRUST) Act prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from assisting the federal government with civil immigration enforcement,” he said in an email.
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, said in a text that diversity is one of Lake County’s “greatest assets.” She said parades like Viva La Independencia are unifying events that create understanding of different cultures.
“These events bring families together, strengthen community pride and ensure traditions are passed down to future generations,” Johnson said. “By honoring Latino heritage in such vibrant and visible ways, we not only celebrate culture but also build understanding and unity across our communities.”
When the parade starts, Marrero said there will be 26 entrants, including both local talent with bands and floats as well as specialists to display Mexican culture. More than 30 horses with riders will help to show the origins of 30 years’ worth of local celebrations.
A group of women riders, the Escararamuzas, will arrive in colorful costumes including long dresses and big hats. Marrero said they ride side-saddle as they go through their routine, stopping to perform along the route.
“It’s a lot like a sport, a rodeo,” she said. “They do a lot of tricks and ride to music.”
When the celebration of Mexican independence began in Waukegan 30 years ago, Marrero said a group of people with their origins in Tonatuico, a city in Mexico, began it. They will be well-represented in the parade with five groups, including the Gachupines, portraying fighters for the Spanish empire.
“They dress as Spaniards,” she said. “They simulate a battle which the Mexicans won and the Spanish lost.”
Another group participating in the parade is the Guarines. Marrero said their faces will be painted black and they may try to apply black face paint to people in the crowd
“If they approach you, you may want to stand back,” she said.
Along with Mexican independence, Marrero said the parade will celebrate the efforts of El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Costa Rica to gain their independence.
