ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Leaders in the local Hispanic community are expressing their concerns amid nationwide crackdowns in immigration enforcement.

While Chicago postponed its Mexican Independence Day parade this year in preparation for a possible surge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts in the city, Rockford leaders say they are proceeding with local celebrations.

Community activist Atonio Ramirez Jr. says Rockford events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month are still on. But he says he still has concerns about the possibility that immigration enforcement could be ramped up during those events.

Ramirez said, although there has been no indication that ICE will be conducting sweeps in Rockford, he understands if immigrants choose not to attend events like Tamale Fe

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