The real Fiesta party for the locals is away from the crowds downtown.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church hosts a community event with music, food, games and dancers during Fiesta. For years, it has been where families go to experience an authentic Fiesta away from the organized Old Spanish Days events.
That changed last year, however.
Since 2025’s Fiesta, there have been fewer people attending and volunteering at the church due to the fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Anthony Rodriguez, 805UndocuFund’s rapid response organizer, told the News-Press.
“It’s very disheartening that I have to worry about people being taken,” Rodriguez said.
Many of these workers make food for hundreds during Fiesta.
At one time, people could barely walk through the packed event without bumping into one another. Now, the crowds have thinned out.
Last year, ICE drove by the church. It’s not certain if ICE has been in town during Fiesta this year.
Rodriguez said he hopes they don’t come into the area, but is honestly unsure of what ICE could do.
“This is a church; this should be a community event. This is for children, parents and families,” Rodriguez said. “We strive really hard to keep it that way and I’m really praying nothing does happen.”
Many volunteers who help at the church are even more fearful after the killings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero in July. Salgado Araujo and Sebastian Guerrero both were immigrants, but weren’t intended targets of ICE.
There have been reports of ICE killing U.S. citizens like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, which Rodriguez said has added to the fear of volunteers and attendees regardless of document status.
“Yeah, ICE has been around, but the thing is that it’s not the exact same thing as it was before,” Rodriguez pointed out. “It doesn’t matter if you’re just walking down the street or if you’re going to work or driving, people are being stopped and not even asked a question.”
During Fiesta, Guadalupe Church is not a part of Old Spanish Days.
The annual event is put on to fundraise for the church, helping with any funds needed throughout the year.
Rodriguez has worked at the church for 26 years and seen it through it all. He said it’s upsetting to see the lines get shorter.
Even though it’s uncertain if ICE will be present during Fiesta, when they are in town, Rodriguez explained they take people without due process, just by the color of their skin or accent. This is where more fear stems from.
“The fact that our volunteers are feeling like their criminals is not okay for anybody to feel that way,” Rodriguez said.
At the church, the 805UndocuFund has patrols on watch and precautions they take in case ICE were to be present near the church or in town.
Patrollers have been around the church’s area at the entrances and exits.
The 805UndocuFund has recommended that people know their rights as well.
“We have the right to film, we have the right to document things, not getting in the way,” Rodriguez said. “[ICE’s] the one’s making us look like we’re getting in the way and we’re not.”
Rodriguez said for those who have reports, are concerned, have questions or need guidance, the 805UndocuFund has a 24-hour hotline on its website.
Our Lady Guadalupe Church will be open for the remainder of Fiesta, with volunteers continuing to serve the community with Mexican dishes.
