A final push to the polls: Día de los Muertos style

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A celebration of culture and remembrance also became an opportunity to discuss representation, immigration and the upcoming election as Memphis’ Hispanic community gathered for Día de los Muertos.

Among those attending was Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green, who made a stop at the celebration ahead of Election Day on November 3.

Green said connecting with communities across Tennessee has been a priority throughout her campaign, which she says has included approximately 250 stops across the state.

“I’m here for all Tennesseans, and that includes this community right here in Memphis,” Green said.

Green addresses immigration concerns

Immigration enforcement was one of the major issues Green discussed during her visit.

She criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s presence in Memphis, saying its activity has created fear among families and made some residents feel less secure.

“Well, they’re terrorizing families,” Green said, adding that she has spoken with local law enforcement leadership and the mayor about her concerns.

Green also pointed to concerns she has heard from parents during her campaign, including families worried about sending their children to school and participating in everyday activities because of immigration enforcement.

Her comments come as Republican gubernatorial candidate Marsha Blackburn has publicly supported ICE operations in Memphis.

In a January 2026 social media post, Blackburn wrote that conditions in Memphis had improved since ICE officers took to the streets, crediting them with helping restore law and order.

Blackburn also spoke with Action News 5’s Joe Birch about her commitment to the campaign trail.

“When you are driven, when you are doing what you are called to do, you’re going to be able to have the energy to meet that. I love what I do,” Blackburn said.

Community representation and voter engagement

For some attendees, Green’s decision to participate in the cultural celebration carried its own significance.

Jose “Mexiveli” Guerrero said he appreciated the candidate taking time to be present with the community.

“It means that definitely she’s a diverse person that’s willing to work with the culture, you know, with the community,” Guerrero said.

State Representative Gabby Salinas also emphasized the importance of elected officials and candidates engaging with the people they hope to represent, particularly in culturally meaningful settings.

“I think any time any elected official engages, or potential elected official, engages with the electorate, it’s so important. Especially if they engage in a culturally relative way, it means that much more,” Salinas said.

Salinas said the celebration also served as an opportunity to encourage voter participation, noting that some people may not yet realize an election is approaching.

She added that supporting diversity and inclusion in Tennessee is an important consideration for voters.

Election Day approaches

Beyond immigration, Green said many of the concerns she hears from Tennesseans involve everyday challenges, including rising grocery costs, access to healthcare, public education and the ability to afford a home.

She argued that those issues affect people regardless of their political affiliation.

Green also pointed to Tennessee’s voter participation as a concern, saying she believes political district boundaries contribute to voter apathy.

“The great news is, especially in my race, that you can’t gerrymander a whole state,” Green said. “So every vote is going to matter and we need everyone to show up and have their voice heard.”

Action News 5 will continue bringing viewers election coverage, results and reaction throughout next week.

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