A Brazilian cultural festival that was scheduled to take place on the Island this weekend has been postponed after federal immigration officials arrested about 40 people here and on Nantucket Tuesday.

Backers of Brazil Fest, which was supposed to be held on June 1 at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury, announced in a statement Wednesday that the festival is on hold due to concerns for attendees' safety. 

“We are so disappointed that due to the present climate of fear and intimidation against the immigrant and Brazilian community we will have to postpone the second annual Brazil Fest,” said Sara Barnes, who helped organize the festival through her role at MV Mediation and the Building Bridge Coalition. 

Members of the coalition were polled and almost 100 per cent felt that postponement was the best course of action.

“There are many realities in this moment, but it’s important to be sensitive to the collective fear and desperation being felt by many who call this Island home,” said coalition member Taina Paizante Chaves. “This moment brings tears, but it won’t take away our people’s ability to find joy.” 

The festival started last year as a way to bring the different communities of the Island together. Hundreds of people came and participated in traditional Brazilian dancing and other activities. 

While some members of the coalition considered forging ahead with the event this year, most of the Brazilian members of the coalition raised concerns. 

Paula Reidbord, who is Brazilian and the coordinator of the festival, was appalled by the arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and felt it was best to bring the festival back later when more Brazilians were comfortable attending. 

“For this to take place without Brazilian people’s presence would make no sense,” she said. “This event will happen in the future and when it does it will be a celebration of our culture, our strength and resilience, what brings us together and makes us stronger.” 

A tentative date for the festival has been scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Agricultural Hall. 

“When the time is right to reschedule, I hope we can reaffirm our commitment to celebrating and honoring Brazilian culture in a way that feels safe and uplifting for all,” said Rachel BenDavid, the president of the MV Mediation board of directors.