Racial Tensions Flare at Mexican Folkloric Dance Event in Chicago

Neighbors accused of assault and making racially charged comments toward dance students and families

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A brief video has sparked controversy in Chicago's Belmont Gardens neighborhood after a couple was recorded shouting racial comments and throwing an unidentified liquid at a group of parents and children leaving a Mexican folkloric dance class. The dance studio owner says this is not the first incident, and she plans to seek a restraining order against the neighbors.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between residents in the diverse Belmont Gardens neighborhood and raises concerns about the safety of the dance studio's students and families. It also speaks to broader issues of racial prejudice and the need for better community relations.

The details

According to the report, the incident occurred on Friday night after a Mexican folkloric dance class. As parents and children were leaving, a woman was recorded shouting "You're lucky ICE isn't here" at the group. Shortly after, a man appeared and threw a glass containing an unidentified liquid from a landing, splashing it onto the departing families. The dance studio owner says this was not the first time the neighbors have confronted the students and families, with the couple acknowledging their actions but claiming the dance classes have been disruptive to their sleep.

  • The incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • The dance studio owner plans to go to court on Monday, March 10, 2026 to seek an order of protection against the neighbors.

The players

Violeta Ochoa Salabert

A dance student who recounted the incident, describing the neighbors' outbursts and cursing toward the students and families.

Darcy Moreno

A parent of a dance student who expressed disappointment over the ongoing issues between the neighbors and the dance studio.

The dance studio owner

The owner of the dance studio who has called the police before over previous incidents and plans to seek a restraining order against the neighbors.

The Chicago couple

A Latino couple who were recorded making the racially charged comments and throwing the unidentified liquid, but have expressed regret over their actions.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone was just saying their goodbyes. Some children were leaving with their parents, and suddenly the neighbor appeared, yelling and cursing at us, telling us to be quiet.”

— Violeta Ochoa Salabert, Dance student (ABC7 Chicago)

“Everybody is quickly in and out, in and out, and it's very disappointing.”

— Darcy Moreno, Parent of dance student (ABC7 Chicago)

“That video looks awful. We look like monsters.”

— The man (ABC7 Chicago)

“I was insensitive when I said that. I shouldn't have said that. It was more like, I'm surprised ICE hasn't been here already, because of how loud they are. This is what ICE looks for.”

— The woman (ABC7 Chicago)

What’s next

The dance studio owner plans to go to court on Monday, March 10, 2026 to seek an order of protection against the neighbors.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing racial tensions and lack of community cohesion in the Belmont Gardens neighborhood, underscoring the need for better dialogue, understanding, and respect between residents. It also raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the dance studio's students and families.