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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens



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View as web page:

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April 28, 2023
Contact: David Cruz - (818) 689-9991 Mobile
[email protected]



LULAC SAYS TEXAS EMPOWERMENT OF DPS TROOPERS IN AUSTIN HITS LATINOS HARD
========================================================================


Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says Data on Law
Enforcement Actions Demands U.S. Justice Department Investigation

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is
expressing strong opposition to the recent actions of the State of Texas, which
have empowered the Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers to conduct law
enforcement actions on the streets of Austin. LULAC's General Counsel, Gloria
Leal, emphasizes that while the organization supports the safety and well-being
of all residents in all areas of the city, law enforcement must strike a fair and
equitable balance when targeting neighborhoods for stepped-up patrols.

"LULAC categorically rejects and condemns any form of racial profiling that
violates the civil rights of Latinos or any other community," says Leal. "It is
with deep concern that we address the recently released data, which reveals a
disturbing picture of the impact of the pact between the City of Austin's Police
Department (APD) and DPS on communities of color. Shockingly, nine out of every
ten individuals arrested or cited as a result of this new action are Latino or
Black," says Leal.

Since March 30, 2023, Latinos accounted for 62% - 69% of those impacted by law
enforcement actions, while Blacks represented 20% - 25% and Whites 7% -17%. This
trend persists through April 22, 2023. Comparatively, Latinos make up only 34.5%
of the population in Austin.

Cynthia Valadez, LULAC District VII Director, warns that "the combined law
enforcement efforts of DPS and APD set a dangerous precedent." Her concerns echo
those voiced by Texas LULAC State Director Rodolfo Rosales, who recently stated,
"LULAC strongly opposes any law enforcement actions that profile Latinos, or any
other community based on race, ethnicity, or skin color. Similarly, LULAC is
against police or state trooper swarm tactics that target areas specifically
because persons of color densely populate them. Governor Abbott's actions smack
of using his cadre of brown-shirt stormtroopers to do his bidding."

LULAC will not remain silent as these troopers fan out across sections of Austin,
potentially placing innocent, law-abiding people in harm's way. While LULAC
supports the APD's efforts to address low-level crime in local neighborhoods and
acknowledges the 58% drop in crime "hot spots," it also recognizes the need for
fairness and justice in law enforcement practices.

LULAC's National President, Domingo Garcia, demanded that the U.S. Justice
Department investigate and thoroughly review the data and practices of both the
APD and DPS. "LULAC agrees that the well-being of our communities is of paramount
concern. However, we will not tolerate a 'them-vs-us' mindset that stereotypes
Latinos as criminals and racially profiles them for stops and arrests. LULAC
seeks a meeting with the Texas Department of Public Safety director, Austin's
Mayor, and APD Chief Joseph Chacon. We want to discuss concrete steps that can be
taken to ensure that DPS troopers do not disproportionately target and apprehend
individuals in our barrios for even minor infractions that are overlooked in
other areas. Justice demands that enforcement be color-blind.

Further, LULAC urges the APD, DPS, and the City of Austin to acknowledge and
appreciate the tremendous contributions of hard-working, law-abiding Latinos in
this community. Regrettably, these contributions are often overlooked, which is
shameful and a sham," says Garcia.

# # #

About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and
oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans
and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000
councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and
advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of
today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org [ [link removed] ] .















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