Second Year Without Oaxacan Festival Due to Immigration Enforcement

The Guelaguetza Festival at Palomar College, which was set for this weekend, has been postponed for a second consecutive year due to increased immigration enforcement. The Coalition of Indigenous Communities of Oaxaca (COCIO) stated that the decision aims to prioritize the safety of community members. Cuetz Rodríguez, a board member, expressed that the enforcement actions create a climate of fear driven by racial profiling.

Reports indicate that individuals have been detained at their workplaces in the wake of intensified immigration crackdowns in San Diego. This is not an isolated incident, as the Guelaguetza Festival in Northern California has also been delayed for similar reasons. Last year’s celebration was similarly canceled, underscoring the community’s commitment to safety despite the significance of the event.