Fresno Zoo Cancels Día de los Muertos Event Amid Safety Concerns for Immigrants

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo has canceled its annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, citing concerns for the safety of the immigrant community amidst an alleged rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The decision, announced as Sunday, Nov. 1 approached, was made in consultation with partners within the immigrant community.

In a statement, the zoo described the cancellation as a "difficult decision" made to "stand in solidarity with the community and ensure their safety." While the main event is off, the zoo plans to honor the holiday through special decorations, an art display from Arte Américas, and two ofrendas (decorated altars). These altars will be available for community members to visit and place photos of loved ones or pets from October 27 through November 2, provided they feel safe doing so.

The zoo also announced it would donate to Faith in the Valley, a grassroots organization focused on advocating for legal status and citizenship for undocumented immigrants. The statement concluded, "We remain committed to ensuring the Zoo is a safe and welcoming place for all families, and we believe this decision reflects that commitment to our community."

This year marks the first time the zoo has canceled the event, which it has hosted for the past three years. Traditionally, Día de los Muertos celebrations involve families visiting cemeteries and preparing altars to honor deceased relatives and friends.

The cancellation comes in the wake of reports from immigrant advocacy groups and local officials detailing an increased presence of ICE in the Fresno and Madera areas throughout October. These groups allege that ICE conducted operations resulting in the arrest of over 70 individuals in the region during the month. Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias has publicly criticized ICE, stating that the agency has "terrorize[d] our community, leaving families afraid to go to work, take their children to school, or shop for groceries."

The Department of Homeland Security, when contacted by The California Post, stated, "For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations." The department affirmed that it "enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California."

Arte Américas, a local museum dedicated to Latino arts and cultures, is involved in providing an art display for the zoo's planned remembrance. The museum itself is scheduled to hold its own Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1 at its plaza in downtown Fresno.

Reactions on social media to the zoo's decision were divided, with some expressing sadness at the circumstances necessitating the cancellation and others commending the zoo's thoughtful response to protect vulnerable community members.