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Amid cancellations of similar events across the nation, CAPA’s Festival Latino will go on as planned, but the annual cultural celebration is not untouched by immigration-related issues.
CAPA announced in a press statement that one of the Aug. 9-10 festival’s headliners, Peruvian vocalist Daniela Darcourt, would not be performing due to issues with her visa-approval process.
Darcourt, who was scheduled to perform at Aug. 9, has been replaced by salsa singer Michael Stuart.
Other festivals in the country have been scrapped altogether amid mounting fears about anti-immigrant sentiments.
The Canton Latino Fest was canceled in May, citing President Donald Trump’s clampdown on illegal immigration and deportation. According to the Canton Repository, the fest’s founder feels Latinos and immigrants are “demonized” by the president and some of his supporters.
In Columbus, Georgia, fears about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and a sense of uneasiness in the Latino community caused organizers to call off the Tri-City Latino Festival, which was set for Sept. 20.
In a separate statement, CAPA recognized the “unique circumstances” surrounding this year’s Festival Latino, stating:
“Festival Latino is not only a celebration of culture. It’s a public affirmation of our shared values: inclusion, respect, and joy …
“The festival’s steering committee, the CAPA board, our staff and community members, and representative festival participants are committed to the festival, in support and celebration of the Latino community in Columbus and beyond.
“The safety of our guests is a paramount consideration for CAPA at any of the events we host or put on. CAPA and festival leadership have done considerable due diligence this year, gathering information and asking questions intended to help us provide as safe and enjoyable (of an) event for everyone as we possibly can.
“We, of course, invite the entire central Ohio community to this celebration, with music, dance, food and more that represents the great variety of Latino culture.”
The cancellation of Darcourt’s festival appearance comes on the heels of arrests by ICE officers at a Columbus restaurant on July 16.
Three people arrested outside Hiro Coffee & Tea, 4800 Sawmill Road, did not have lawful status to remain in the U.S. or to work, ICE said in its statement.
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