ICE fears cause Mexican consul in San Diego to scale back Independence Day celebration

Alexandra Mendoza, The San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep 8, 2025

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SAN DIEGO — Preparations are underway for the 215th anniversary of Mexico’s independence, although some celebrations may look smaller in San Diego County next weekend.

Notably, the Mexican Consulate in San Diego will not be hosting its own large-scale official event this year as it has in the past.

Instead, Consul General Alicia Kerber will deliver the traditional El Grito de Independencia, which commemorates the speech that marked the beginning of the independence movement, at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park as a special guest on Saturday.

Other consulate representatives will do the same at other events throughout the county, as they have done on previous occasions.

Kerber said the decision was made amid concerns that some community members, especially undocumented immigrants, might fear attending an event of this kind given increased immigration enforcement. The Mexican Consulate instead prioritized allocating resources for legal assistance and other services for immigrant families that are in high demand, she said.

The Mexican holiday is observed on Sept. 16 and celebrated by Mexican nationals around the world. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will lead the nation’s celebration Sept. 15 for the first time since taking office at Mexico’s Palacio Nacional. Mexican governors and mayors typically give El Grito on this night as well.

“As representatives of Mexico, we are always proud to celebrate with our entire community,” said Kerber. “This civic ceremony unites all Mexicans, especially those of us abroad. It’s a time when we feel proud of our culture and identity and of what we contribute to the world.”

She said fear might cause some people to decide to stay home, but said it was understandable.

Other festivities throughout the county include the celebration in Chula Vista, a city with a large Hispanic population.

“The Chula Vista celebration is more than just an event,” said Mayor John McCann. “It’s a celebration of the values that unite our city, resilience, culture, food, music, business and community spirit. Together, we will honor the rich traditions of Hispanic Heritage while bringing families, neighborhoods and friends closer.”

In response to whether he anticipates the community’s response to be different this year, McCann said he expects a “safe, family-friendly event, and we’re hoping there will be no issues.”

“We have such a great community,” he said. “I’m hoping that the response will be as good as it was last year.”

Adriana Jasso, a representative with the nonprofit Unión del Barrio who is organizing two events this year — one in Escondido and another in Barrio Logan — said that given the national context surrounding immigration, it is understandable that there is some concern in the community.

“In our experience of coordinating these events year after year, we have never seen, and hope never to see, immigration enforcement at these events,” she said. “It would be a big surprise, and it would also set a precedent.”

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