Every year, New Haven鈥檚 Day of the Dead parade honors a specific group of the deceased. This Saturday, the parade highlights those who have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
At least 20 people have died in ICE custody so far this year, according to NPR鈥檚 . That鈥檚 the most since 2005. And local immigrant rights leaders are raising awareness.
鈥淭his is the time to remember those who have passed away because of the policies of this country towards our community,鈥� said John Lugo, 鈥檚 lead organizer.
While ULA鈥檚 annual D铆a de los Muertos parade has always honored a group, like , the crowd itself may look different this year. Lugo said more Latinos are worried about going to big gatherings.
鈥淚CE has been very active lately in the streets of 黑料吃瓜网,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o I think there is some sense that something can happen, but at the same time, we feel that we should keep going with this tradition.鈥�
Lugo said ULA is hoping allyship will help the parade continue to thrive in these unprecedented times.
鈥淲e want to invite as many American citizens, supporters, as possible because that will create some kind of sense of security,鈥� he said.
The parade will feature giant puppets, lanterns and flowers. And it鈥檚 officially a quincea帽ero, celebrating its 15th 鈥渂irthday鈥� this year.
鈥淚 think this is a good opportunity to get more supporters for the immigrant cause because I think, at the end of the day, the policies that this president is implementing are going to affect everybody,鈥� Lugo said.
If you go
Unidad Latina en Acci贸n鈥檚 Day of the Dead parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Bregamos Theater, 491 Blatchley Ave., New Haven.
