Seattle’s Duwamish River Festival canceled over concerns of ICE agents
Duwamish River Festival canceled
The Duwamish River Community Coalition has announced they have canceled this year's River Festival over concerns that immigration enforcement officers could target the event.
SEATTLE - The Duwamish River Community Coalition has announced they have canceled this year’s Duwamish River Festival over concerns that immigration enforcement officers might target it.
The annual event takes place in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, which is home to many Latino neighbors and immigrants. Some say they're worried ICE agents might show up.
"In light of recent events across the country and growing uncertainty for the safety and protection of our neighbors, we decided to cancel the festival this year," said Mickila Gonzales, Development Coordinator at the Duwamish River Community Coalition.
What they're saying:
The organization made the announcement on social media and said they made the decision because of ICE concerns, and the safety and wellbeing of community members.
"I was really sad, but also I understood why." said Lupine Miller, a librarian in the community.
She told FOX 13 Seattle that the festival celebrates the river and the close-knit community, as well as cultures in the area.
"When things happen, when there is a catastrophe or anything is unsafe, the whole point of community is to come together and help each other out, and however that looks is however that looks, so if it looks like we’re canceling this festival to keep the community safe, that’s what we have to do," Miller said.
Gary Snyder is an art dealer from Montana. He’s in town for a project regarding the Duwamish River and was surprised to hear about the festival cancellation. He often hears about ICE concerns in Montana but rarely sees it.
"So, to come into a city and realize what a strong effect it has and there’s a sense of fear and concern and it’s affecting everybody, it’s unfortunate, and I wish it wasn’t happening," Snyder said.
In the meantime, community members said they will figure out other ways to come together and support one another. "We look forward to a time in the future when we can celebrate together in solidarity and strength," Gonzales said.
The Duwamish River Festival was originally scheduled for August 9.
The Source: Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Shirah Matsuzawa.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Seattle police release video of shootout between officers, DV suspect in Washington Park
Travis Decker manhunt echoes 2020 hunt in same WA wilderness
Police warning as bear spotted near homes in Renton
Whitney Decker reveals '3 feelings' tradition at emotional memorial for daughters
Woman found dead on Ketron Island as suspect drives off ferry dock
Everything to know about WA laws going into effect July 1
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.