EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The city of Everett is cancelling its annual Fiesta Del Rio due to growing concerns surrounding ICE raids in the state.

Citing feelings of uncertainty and fear, officials say they believe now is not the time to hold the celebration. A decision that residents are not happy with.

"It's a wonderful event and I attended it every year and it's just very disappointing that they elected not to do it," Alice from Everett stated.

The festival was scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 20. In a statement on social media, Mayor Carlo DeMaria said the city is committed to celebrating diversity in the future and will look for other ways to come together as a community.

Read More: Protesters Demonstrate Outside Burlington ICE Detention Facility

"It's definitely not right. The city should have the ability to have a festival and the people who live in the city should be able to go and feel comfortable and not worry about getting deported," Zach of Everett remarked.

The event honors the culture, food, music, and people during Hispanic Heritage Month. DeMaria called the decision "difficult." Alice said although she'd like to see the event happen, she understands the concerns.

"There's a lot of ICE in Everett and Revere, [and] Chelsea. So yeah, it's going on. And again, I don't have any personal connection to that, but I know there are people who are very nervous living in the city right now."

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently launched a new operation in Boston called Patriot 2.0 in the state targeting immigrants. The launch comes after the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against the city of Boston for its sanctuary city policies.

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

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