Chicago's Puerto Rican museum celebrates 25 years; CEO speaks on ongoing fears among community

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and culture is celebrating 25 years in Humboldt Park.



Billy Ocasio, the president and CEO of the museum, joined ABC7 to discuss the impact in the community.

"You are going to learn about the food, learn about the art, the culture, and the history," Ocasio said.

Ocasio also spoke about the ongoing fears among the immigrant community in Chicago.



"We learned from out Barrio Arts Festival, when ICE and Homeland Security showed up at our parking lot. We learned a lot, and really fast," he said.

READ ALSO | Puerto Rican museum staff on 'high alert' after DHS agents visited ahead of Chicago festival

Ocasio added that they have placed multiple guidelines into place and have shared their guidance with other organizations and cultures.

"Our community is ready to deal with whatever is coming. These are people who want to erase and falsify our history; and our history is who we are," Ocasio said.

To learn more about the museum, click here.



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