
The federal immigration crackdown has led to the cancellation of the Kenner Hispanic Festival, which had been slated for this September at the Kenner Boat Launch. Anamaria Bech, the publisher of the bilingual magazine VIVA NOLA, says a big reason is Kenner’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The Hispanic population of Kenner around 30%, so we’re assuming that this cooperation is going to prevent public gatherings that are aimed to Hispanics in that city,” Bech said.
Bech says it’s a huge loss not to be able to hold the event, not only from a cultural standpoint, but also from an economic standpoint.
“What is going to happen to the economy of the city when we know that people are going to be afraid to frequent establishments businesses to go to events whether they’re Latino or not?” Bech asked.
Bech says it disheartens her that the ongoing immigration crackdown is putting a damper on cultural events, not only this one but ones like this all across the country.
“We have beautiful dances, we have delicious food, everybody enjoys Latino food, right? So, as we celebrate those things that we enjoy from the community, we also need to celebrate the people that create this items that you enjoy so much,” Bech said.
Earlier this week, ICE agents raided a construction site in Kenner. It’s unknown at this time how many people were taken into custody.
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