Is ‘fear’ of ICE raid the reason Columbus Tri-City Latino Festival was canceled?

Organizers have canceled this year’s Tri-City Latino Festival in Columbus, citing rising fears over potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and a deep sense of unease within the Latino community.

Holding the festival amid so much anger, hatred and uncertainty, they said, posed a safety risk they are not willing to take.

The decision comes as immigration-related protests erupt across the country, sparked by a series of executive orders and intensified efforts by the Trump administration to increase deportations and immigration enforcement.

The festival — scheduled for Sept. 20 — was canceled in May. The Tri-City Latino Association said in a May 26 announcement posted on its Facebook page that the decision was due to economic uncertainty, limited foresight into future events and the association’s continued commitment to the safety of the community.

The association’s founder and co-chair, Evelyn “Mimi” Woodson, said in an interview Thursday with the Ledger-Enquirer that security was the main concern.

“We do not have security in our communities right now,” said Woodson, who served on Columbus Council for 28 years before deciding to not seek reelection in 2022. “And it’s not only because of ICE, it’s just that there are lots of people that are angry and hateful right now. … We didn’t want to participate or be a part of that. With all the immigration issues that are going on, we were thinking more of the safety of our community.”

Despite rumors of ICE activity in Columbus, no substantiated reports have been made. Earlier this year, Columbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis refuted claims that widespread raids were taking place in the area, emphasizing the department’s responsibility to uphold the law with fairness and respect.

In February, Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations — a component of ICE — were searching for “illegals with criminal warrants” in the area.

Woodson said she doesn’t want to focus solely on ICE since it isn’t the only factor in her and her team’s decision. The increasingly polarized political and social climate also played a role, she said. According to Woodson, the association wanted to preserve the festival for future celebrations and prevent anyone from getting hurt.

“We don’t want to ruin what we have,” she said. “It’s beautiful. Everybody loves it. Everybody comes together. We don’t want to destroy it in a time when there’s so much uncertainty in our community. We don’t want to be a part of that insanity.”

Woodson did not provide any other explanation for why the festival was canceled. She said claims that the association didn’t have enough funding to hold it this year were false. The association’s other board members did not respond to requests for comment.

The festival

The Tri-City Latino Festival has been held annually at the Columbus Civic Center since its founding in 2013. It has become a beloved community tradition, bringing together Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning residents for a day of food, music and dance.

It also features a parade through downtown Columbus, which is still taking place Sept. 20.

Woodson said because the parade is out in the open, there are less anxieties about potential disruptions, and she hopes the political climate remains calm for it.

Woodson didn’t say when the festival will return, but she has no doubt that it will..

“We’re hurt,” she said. “We’re devastated. Some people aren’t going to understand it, and some people are going to disagree, but we can look ourselves in the mirror and know we’re doing the right thing for everybody. We’re letting the tension and the uncertainty of the world settle down. Our event is a loving, family, peaceful event. We don’t want it to become fearful.”

Community response

Some Columbus residents expressed on social media their love for the festival and disappointment about its cancellation. Chris Kelley, a community organizer and advocate, said he was “saddened” by the news, calling it an unfortunate loss.

“We miss a moment and an opportunity to really show what Columbus is all about,” he told the Ledger-Enquirer. “When I moved here, I felt immediately at home. I felt welcomed.”

Kelley said the festival fosters that same welcoming spirit, and he hopes the association will change its mind.

“It was disheartening,” he said. “Of course [the Tri-City Latino Association] has their reasons … but I would definitely love to see them reconsider. Our Latino brothers and sisters have to understand and know that the community has their back.”

Columbus resident Ronaldo “Rico” Morrison was less understanding. He has been to the festival several times and has participated in the event’s talent show. He said the cancellation wasn’t surprising, given ICE’s recent activity, but it still broke his heart.

The Tri-City Latino Festival is the largest celebration of Latino culture in the area. Morrison said the decision to cancel it contributes to the message that Latinos need to be less visible.

“We’re scared to go out and live our lives and enjoy each other’s company and the festivals,” he told the Ledger-Enquirer. “We can’t go anywhere. We gotta stay hidden. And it just makes me feel that other Latinos gotta hide and be scared and stay in.”

Morrison said he was disappointed that certain current events around the country have dictated the festival’s fate. He urged Latinos to “rise up” and continue living their lives. He also called for the association and the local government to denounce the actions taken by ICE and defend the tradition of the festival.

“If they’re not going to bring it back this year, I hope next year they come back stronger regardless of what the situation is,” he said. “But if it’s about politics, they need to denounce the politics and continue living and enjoying life.”

Mayor’s reaction

Mayor Skip Henderson said the Columbus Consolidated Government works with the Tri-City Latino Association and supports them in any way it can during the planning, but it isn’t involved in major decisions about the festival. CCG had no role in the cancellation, Henderson said, but it stands by the festival’s organizers and their decision.

He noted this year’s “different atmosphere” — marked by inflationary economic conditions and unease within Hispanic communities — likely made it difficult to hold the festival. Like other residents and annual attendees, Henderson said he is disappointed.

“It’s an amazing event, so naturally I’m sad for our community that it’s not going to be held,” he told the Ledger-Enquirer. “But we’re going to join forces with them and try to do whatever we can to make sure it’s back on as soon as possible.”

Those interested in participating in the Sept. 20 parade can apply by visiting the Tri-City Latino Association’s website or Facebook page. The deadline to apply is Sept. 5.

This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.