May 6, 2025
As the colorful festivities of Cinco de Mayo unfold across the U.S., there’s a growing call for consistency between celebration and policy. A new wave of voices online is drawing a clear line: “If you support deporting Mexicans, you don’t get to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.”
This sharp sentiment challenges the hypocrisy of those who enjoy the food, music, and culture of Mexico for one day, while backing policies that harm the very people who created them. It’s not just about margaritas and tacos—it’s about respect, inclusion, and integrity.
Critics argue that cultural appreciation becomes exploitation when it’s divorced from empathy or justice. Advocates of this “new rule” are urging people to consider whether their political views align with their public celebrations.
After all, Cinco de Mayo isn’t just a party—it’s a symbol of Mexican resilience and identity. Celebrating the culture while endorsing the deportation of its people? That’s not just tone-deaf—it’s unacceptable.