California zoo cancels Día de los Muertos event to protect immigrants

A zoo in Fresno has canceled a popular Mexican celebration that honors the dead over concerns for the immigrant community’s safety amid an alleged increase in ICE activity.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo announced its annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sun., Nov. 1 will not take place after speaking with its partners in the immigrant community.

The zoo said it had made the “difficult decision” in an effort to “stand in solidarity with the community and ensure their safety,” its statement read.

“We will still honor the holiday with special decorations, an art display from Arte Américas, and two ofrendas (a decorated altar) where we invite community members to visit and bring photos of their loved ones or beloved pets to be honored from October 27 through November 2, if they feel safe doing so.”

The zoo will also be donating to grassroots community organization Faith in the Valley, which works to “advance an accessible path to legal status and citizenship to all undocumented immigrants.”

“We remain committed to ensuring the Zoo is a safe and welcoming place for all families, and we believe this decision reflects that commitment to our community,” the statement added.

The zoo has hosted Día de los Muertos events for the past three years.

During celebrations, family members often visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are interred.

Users on social media had mixed reactions to news of the zoo’s decision.

“It is so sad that you’re put in such a position to where a decision like that has to be made,” one wrote.

“Thank you, Chaffee Zoo! What a thoughtful response that prioritizes the most vulnerable and allows people avenues of support,” another added.

The news comes amid increased activity by ICE in the Fresno and Madera area in October, according to immigrant advocacy groups and local officials. Earlier this month, they said ICE arrested more than 70 people in area.

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias blasted the agency, saying “we have seen ICE terrorize our community, leaving families afraid to go to work, take their children to school, or shop for groceries,” KMPH reported.

The California Post contacted the Department of Homeland Security about the alleged increase in activity in the area.

“For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations,” the department said.

“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California.”

The Arte Américas, a local museum that honors Latino arts and cultures, is listed as providing an art display at the zoo during the annual festivities. The museum has its own Day of the Dead celebration planned at the museum plaza on November 1 in downtown Fresno.

The California Post contacted the museum and zoo for more information.

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