Chicago, IL – In a move that has stirred both disappointment and understanding within the Belizean-American community, organizers of the beloved Belize Day in the Park have officially announced the cancellation of the 2025 event in Chicago.
The Belize Educational Fund and Day in the Park Committee, led by Dr. Phyllis V. Hughes, issued a public statement explaining the difficult decision. The cancellation comes amid growing unease surrounding the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the implementation of aggressive immigration deportation policies.
“We recognize that the recent immigration deportation policies have caused fear and anxiety in immigrant communities,” the committee stated. “These policies have resulted in an increase in the presence of ICE within these communities.”
Belize Day in the Park has long served as a cultural and social cornerstone for Belizeans living in the United States, particularly in the Midwest. The event celebrates Belizean heritage through food, music, dance, and community engagement—often drawing thousands from across the diaspora.
This year, however, organizers prioritized safety and peace of mind.
“Although this was a difficult decision to make, the general well-being and pursuit of happiness of the Belizean Diaspora is a concern,” the statement reads.
While the 2025 celebration is off the calendar, the committee is already setting sights on 2026. In the meantime, Belizeans across the U.S. are encouraged to stay safe and continue building community in smaller, more secure ways.
The committee concluded with a message of hope: “We wish you all a safe summer and look forward to seeing you for Belize Day in the Park 2026.”
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