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A message from League of United Latin American Citizens
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View as web page:
[link removed]
Photo Credit: Jae S. Lee/The Dallas Morning News
June 30, 2023
Contact: David Cruz - (818) 689-9991 Mobile
[email protected]
LULAC BLASTS DALLAS COUNTY JUVENILE SYSTEM OVER REPORTS OF MISTREATMENT AND CALLS
FOR FEDERAL PROBE
=================================================================================
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Demands Giving
Investigators Immediate Unhampered Access to Speak with Minor Wards in Dallas
County Custody
Washington, DC – The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) expresses
profound concern and outrage over disturbing reports of alleged mistreatment of
minor wards within the Dallas County Juvenile program at the Henry Wade Juvenile
Justice Center. LULAC firmly believes that even youths who find themselves within
the juvenile system due to their offenses deserve humane treatment and protection
while under the custody of county authorities.
"We are appalled by what we are hearing," declares Domingo Garcia, National
President of LULAC. "Our youths, regardless of their status in the juvenile
system, should be treated with dignity and respect. LULAC is committed to taking
all necessary legal measures to ensure their safety and well-being while in the
custody of county officials."
In light of the disturbing allegations, LULAC will seek immediate assistance from
the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a thorough investigation into the
mistreatment of Latino wards and others for whom they are responsible. The
organization will actively pursue the prosecution of any official or officer
found guilty of violating the civil rights of these young individuals. LULAC will
not tolerate any abuse or the exceeding of powers by those in law enforcement who
believe they can treat individuals as less than human.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune
A published news report further exacerbates these concerns, highlighting an
alarming disparity within the Dallas County Juvenile program. The report
indicates that Dallas County is imposing "more punitive and longer sentences" on
juveniles compared to other counties in Texas. This revelation raises serious
questions about the fairness and integrity of the juvenile justice system in
Dallas County.
In addition to the punitive sentencing, LULAC has reviewed the numerous
distressing accounts from families of wards about the conditions within the Henry
Wade Juvenile Justice Center. Families have reported that minors are kept in
constant lockup for most of the day, with minimal opportunities to leave their
cells or go outside. Furthermore, there have been alarming allegations of
insufficient food and a lack of access to proper healthcare for these young
individuals. If proven true, these claims represent a flagrant violation of their
civil rights.
LULAC urgently demands an immediate review of these charges by independent
investigators who can objectively assess the situation. Furthermore, the
organization insists on unhindered access to the facility, allowing
representatives to enter and speak directly with the wards. These young
individuals must be able to provide their statements without fear of retaliation
from guards or the administration.
"Let me be unequivocal," states Garcia. "We have long moved past the days of
inmate farms and the night-box style domination depicted in movies like Cool Hand
Luke. Paul Newman was an actor, but these are our youths, and we will never
tolerate any form of dehumanization in Dallas County again!"
LULAC calls upon Dallas County officials to promptly acknowledge and address
these serious allegations. Our youths' well-being and fair treatment should
always be a top priority within any justice system. LULAC remains unwavering in
its commitment to advocating for the rights and protection of Latino wards and
will hold accountable those responsible for their care. The organization urges
the community to stand together in demanding justice and fairness for these young
individuals. LULAC will continue to fight tirelessly until the mistreatment of
minors within the Dallas County Juvenile system is thoroughly investigated and
rectified. No child should endure such treatment, and it is the responsibility of
society as a whole to protect and uplift our youth.
# # #
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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