East LA Mexican Independence Day Parade taking place amid threat of immigration raids

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The 2025 East L.A. Mexican Independence Day Parade is Sunday, with Jose Hernandez serving as this year's Grand Marshall, embodying the American Dream -- from farm worker to NASA astronaut. At the same time, the parade is taking place under the threat of immigration raids.

At Friday's press conference to kick off the weekend festivities, parade organizers, local politicians, and the Consul General of Mexico discussed the climate of the immigration raids.

"It's been very challenging. We didn't know if we were going to move forward or not at moments. But thanks to our local officials and the police department, Chief McDonnell, who's gonna be in the parade also, so they give us great joy that we're going to have them all. And like we've all been saying, you guys have the choice to come, and if not, you can watch it on ABC7," said Maria Elena Serrano, president of the Mexican Civic Committee.

This is the largest and longest-running parade of its kind in the U.S.

In their planning, organizers met with law enforcement about the possibility of immigration raids.

"We're going to have our sheriffs, we're gonna have the CHP, we're going to have a lot of assistance out there, including vigilant volunteers and it will be monitored. I know our sheriff is also going to be riding in the parade as well, and many dignitaries, so there will be a lot of security and protection," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

The parade gives the Mexican and Mexican American community an opportunity to display its culture and celebrate our southern neighbor's independence.

"It's important that we keep united. That makes us stronger and that will give us the strength to keep going... This parade is going to be a moment where we can come together and show who we are," said L.A. resident Jose Ubalde.

Watch live coverage of the parade at 10 a.m. on ABC7 and anywhere you stream Eyewitness News. This year's theme is "Tradition, Education and Achievement."

The parade will go down E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. Following the parade, attendees can enjoy this year's festival from 1-5 p.m. on Mednik Avenue, between E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and First Street.