GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD) — Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in West Michigan are adapting to new challenges this year as immigration crackdowns and cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion funding impact local events.

The annual Hispanic Heritage Fiesta in Grand Haven took place Saturday, allowing the community to come together and celebrate.

"It’s a lot smaller than it has been in the past two, three years and feels a lot emptier," Janet Guitierrez of Muskegon said of the event. "So I feel like a lot of people are scared because of everything that is happening right now."

Regardless of the smaller turnout, the message of the fiesta remained the same.

"I think it’s just important to show that being Hispanic in this little town, you still have a voice," Guitierrez said. "You still a

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