The cancellation of so many events is draining some of the heart from Central Oregon.

Central Oregon Community College canceled its Latinx Fiesta Celebración.

The Latino Community Association canceled its Central Oregon Latino Fest.

The Father’s Group canceled its Juneteenth celebration.

There are many more cancellations around the state and nation. The reasoning is similar:

In “today’s increasingly volatile political climate, with rising incidents of racial aggression and threats — particularly toward Black and Latino communities — safety must come first,” The Father’s Group said.

“There is heightened fear among immigrant community members due to recent immigration enforcement actions, anti-immigrant rhetoric, or rumors of raids or targeting,” said Catalina Sánchez Frank, the Latino Community Association’s executive director.

These festivals and celebrations have been something special. They were planned here for people here. They were open and welcoming to all. There was plenty available for free. They celebrated and honored people here and important events in the nation’s past.

The freedom of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution has been usurped by fear. Immigration agents can walk up to anyone at a public event, and, as we have seen, the federal government has little concern if people are deported by mistake.

When heritage, culture and history must be celebrated only in secret, what has the United States become?