Cinco de May.....NO

Philadelphia's largest Cinco de Mayo has been cancelled because of fears of an ICE deportation sweep.

El Carnaval de Puebla has brought thousands from all over the US and parts of Mexico to South Philadelphia for decades.

Event organizer Edgar Ramirez says he doesn't want anything to happen to party-goers.

"We don't want any incidents. There's a little bit of fear in the community...it's sad to cancel the event, but we don't want difficulties for anyone."

ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls says the agency does not perform random sweeps that target illegal immigrants without reason. 

"ICE's enforcement actions are targeted and lead driven. ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately...US Immigration and Customs Enforcement fully respects the rights of all people to voice their opinion peacefully without interference."

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney says he's disappointed about the fear and cancellation.

"I'm devastated to hear that ICE has had such a chilling effect that Philadelphians no longer feel comfortable engaging in this public celebration...while we can't stop ICE from conducting these raids, I want our immigrant community to know that we want them here, we remain committed to being a Fourth Amendment city and protecting these values, and we will do whatever we can to help them feel comfortable bringing this celebration back in the future."


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