HOUSTON — A local council of the League of United Latin American Citizens announced Friday that it has canceled this year’s Cinco de Mayo parade in downtown Houston, citing “growing concerns” over activity by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In a statement posted on social media by a representative of LULAC District VIII, organizers said the parade committee and district leadership voted to cancel the 2026 event out of an “abundance of caution.” The annual parade had been scheduled for the morning of May 4.
“The safety of our children and their parents remains our highest priority,” the council said. “LULAC District VIII is not willing to put any child, family member, volunteer, or participant at risk for a parade — no matter how meaningful or celebrated the tradition may be.”
Organizers emphasized that the cancellation applies only to this year’s parade and expressed hope that the event will return in 2027 under conditions that allow the community to gather “freely, safely and without fear.”
LULAC leaders acknowledged the disappointment the decision may cause participants, sponsors, schools and community partners, calling it a difficult but necessary step under the circumstances.