The League of United Latin American Citizens is the largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country.
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

View as web page

LULAC


Dear LULAC Members,

Now more than ever, staying informed is empowering. Despite the challenges our Latino community faces, we continue to make strides together. From national policies to local victories, let’s celebrate our resilience and stay engaged in the fight for our rights.

This newsletter is your resource to stay engaged, empowered, and inspired. Juntos, seguimos adelante – together, we move forward.

Thank you for being part of the LULAC familia and for all you do to advance our cause.

¡Adelante!

LULAC National

In this Issue:

  • U.S. Senator Alex Padilla Assaulted by DHS Agents – LULAC Demands Accountability
  • “No Kings” Protests Sweep the Nation – Millions Rally for Immigrant Rights
  • GOP Health Plan Under Fire – Advocates Warn of Harm to Latino Communities
  • Miami Adopts 287(g) Immigration Agreement – Fear and Backlash Ensue
  • LULAC Councils in Action – Local Advocacy and Achievements Highlighted

National News:

Sen. Padilla Assaulted at DHS Event:

In an unprecedented and disturbing incident, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) was forcibly removed, tackled, and handcuffed by federal agents at a DHS press conference in Los Angeles. Padilla had attempted to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about aggressive immigration raids when agents slammed him to the ground – an act many leaders condemned as a “shocking violation of democratic norms”. The takedown, captured on video, sparked bipartisan outrage; California’s governor called it “dictatorial and shameful,”saying “this was not just an assault on Alex Padilla. This was an assault on our democracy.” LULAC quickly condemned the assault, with National President Roman Palomares demanding a full investigation. “When a Latino lawmaker is physically silenced for asking about ICE raids, it signals that no one – not even a Senator – is safe from this administration’s contempt for accountability,” Palomares said. LULAC’s statement – calling the incident a “deeply disturbing escalation in federal tactics” – was featured prominently in media coverage. Major outlets from Dallas to DC noted LULAC’s outcry and echoed our call to protect democratic rights. (Sen. Padilla was released without arrest, and Congress members are pressing for answers.) LULAC will continue to monitor this situation and push for accountability.

“No Kings” Protests Sweep the Nation:

Across the country, millions of people took to the streets in mid-June for “No Kings Day” protests, massive nationwide demonstrations against the Trump administration’s hardline policies. The coordinated rallies on June 14 – timed with Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s anniversary, and Donald Trump’s birthday – drew an estimated 4 to 6 million participants, which observers say may be among the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. Protesters in cities from Los Angeles to Dallas, New York to Atlanta marched under the slogan “No Kings,” denouncing authoritarian tactics and urging respect for immigrant and civil rights. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott deployed 7,000 state troopers and National Guard soldiers in a heavily militarized response. Latino and immigrant rights groups – including LULAC – were on the ground, calling for peaceful demonstrations. “My message is to continue to protest, do it peacefully, don’t let them intimidate you,” LULAC President Roman Palomares urged young activists in Dallas. Community leaders echoed that violence would only detract from the cause: “We must use our voice for good rather than for violence,” one student leader said. Thanks in part to this guidance, the protests remained overwhelmingly peaceful even as they sent a powerful message. Immigrant rights advocates, including LULAC, are hailing the No Kings mobilization as a turning point – a patriotic defense of democracy against fear. “If 1.8% of the U.S. population showed up to protest, it sends a signal that you can stand up, too,” noted one political scientist of the historic turnout.

LULAC Makes Headlines Nationwide:

During this turbulent period, LULAC’s voice has been front and center in the media. Our organization’s response to Sen. Padilla’s assault was widely covered – with LULAC declaring that “no one is safe” when even a sitting U.S. Senator can be manhandled. News outlets highlighted LULAC’s swift action, from holding press conferences to organizing legal support, and noted our long legacy of standing up to government overreach. Likewise, LULAC’s role in the “No Kings” protests gained national attention. Reporters in Texas observed LULAC leaders joining forces with other Latino groups to urge calm and provide protest safety tips in advance. Our Dallas press event was even cited as “the source” for local news on protest preparations. Whether condemning abuses of power or promoting peaceful civic action, LULAC’s commitment to the Latino community’s rights and dignity is making waves. We are proud to be “the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization,” and we’ll continue to use our platform to amplify your voices.

Policy News:

Health & Wellness:

A brewing battle over healthcare in Washington could have dire consequences for Latino health. House Republicans have introduced a sweeping budget bill – sometimes called the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – that seeks to slash Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage. Analysts warn this GOP health plan would sharply increase the number of uninsured Americans by stripping away ACA expansions and tightening Medicaid eligibility. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates 10.7 million people could lose their health insurance (7.6M fewer on Medicaid and 3.1M fewer on ACA marketplaces a decade from now) if the plan passes. In effect, it’s a “backdoor repeal” of Obamacare’s coverage for millions – largely impacting low-income working families. Latino communities would be hit especially hard by these cuts. Thanks to the ACA, Latino uninsured rates had reached all-time lows, with many families gaining coverage through Medicaid expansion and subsidized marketplace plans. The GOP proposal would shorten enrollment periods, end special sign-ups for low-income folks, and impose onerous documentation requirements that make it harder to get or keep insurance. Those barriers could reverse our community’s coverage gains and leave countless Latino children and elderly without care. LULAC and our allies (like the Latino Medical Association and community health advocates) are speaking out against this plan. We believe healthcare is a human right. We’re informing Latino families about what’s at stake – for example, how Medicaid cuts would affect the over 18% of Latinos who rely on Medicaid – and urging our elected officials to protect programs that keep our comunidad healthy. Expect LULAC to ramp up advocacy on this issue as the debate intensifies, because our health and lives are on the line.

Immigration Reform & 287(g) in Miami:

Immigration policy continues to be a pressing issue both nationally and locally. In Miami, Florida, a controversial local decision this month underscored the climate of fear many immigrants feel. On June 17, after hours of impassioned public testimony, the Miami City Commission narrowly voted 3–2 to enter a 287(g) agreement with ICE. This agreement deputizes Miami police officers to act as federal immigration agents, effectively enlisting local law enforcement in Trump-style deportation efforts. The move was strongly pushed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as part of a statewide crackdown aligning with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda. Miami’s approval of 287(g) came despite vocal outcry from residents and civil rights groups. Dozens of community members waited for hours to plead against the pact, warning it will erode trust and terrorize families. “Being complicit in separating families is really disheartening… Immigrants are what make this city,” one young Miamian testified. Miami is a proudly multicultural city – about 56% of residents are foreign-born and 70% identify as Hispanic or Latino – and advocates argued that turning local police into immigration enforcers betrays that heritage. LULAC stood with local allies (including the Miami Freedom Project and other immigrant advocacy groups) in opposing the 287(g) plan. Our position is clear: such policies create an “environment of fear, anxiety and cruelty” that makes communities less safe. When immigrants – even those without status – fear the police, crimes go unreported and public safety suffers for everyone. We are already seeing legal challenges and protests emerge in Miami, and LULAC’s legal team is exploring ways to support affected families.

On the national stage, LULAC continues to push for comprehensive immigration reform as the humane alternative to these crackdowns. Just days before the Miami vote, a major workplace raid in Omaha, Nebraska illustrated the human toll of our broken system. ICE agents arrested over 75 Latino workers at a meatpacking plant, devastating dozens of hardworking families. LULAC’s national leadership swiftly mobilized to Omaha, meeting with affected families and local leaders. We are helping connect families with legal assistance and emergency aid. At a press conference with Omaha’s mayor, LULAC President Palomares reaffirmed our commitment to a bipartisan solution: “enforcement-only tactics are not a long-term solution – we need immigration reform that respects human dignity and labor rights.” LULAC stands with immigrant families and will continue to demand legislation that offers a path to citizenship for DREAMers, protects TPS holders, and modernizes our visa system. The events of these weeks – from Miami’s 287(g) to the Padilla incident – show that now is the time to fix our immigration laws. We urge our representatives to come together and enact reform instead of instilling fear in the very communities that enrich our country.

Local News: LULAC Councils Making a Difference

Rio Grande Valley – LULAC Council Leader Speaks Out on ICE Raids’ Economic Impact
In the Rio Grande Valley, LULAC District Director Richard Cantu is sounding the alarm over the economic toll of recent ICE raids on local communities. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Cantu explained that heightened immigration enforcement is not only spreading fear among residents, but also disrupting the regional economy, especially in industries reliant on immigrant labor. He noted that many immigrants have stopped going to work, shopping, or attending public events, which is already hurting small businesses. “It’s creating a chilling effect that reaches far beyond immigrant families,” said Cantu. LULAC Councils in the region are calling on local leaders to speak out against federal overreach and to prioritize community safety and economic stability.

Fort Cavazos Renaming Sparks Backlash in Texas: LULAC is fighting to preserve the legacy of Latino heroes in our military. In Texas, an attempt to roll back an inclusive change has our members outraged. Fort Hood – the famed Army base near Killeen – was renamed Fort Cavazos last year to honor the late General Richard Cavazos, the U.S. Army’s first Latino four-star general. However, some officials recently floated the idea of reverting Fort Cavazos back to “Fort Hood,” its original name which honored a Confederate officer. LULAC denounced this proposal unequivocally, calling it a direct “disrespect to all Latinos in the military”. In a press statement, we decried the maneuver as a thinly veiled attempt to sideline Latino contributions by searching for any excuse – even finding a soldier named “Hood” – to restore the Confederate namesake. Our veterans and active-duty servicemembers deserve better. “We will not allow the honor bestowed on General Cavazos to be stripped away,” said Lina Garcia, Texas LULAC’s Military Affairs chair. LULAC is mobilizing our Texas councils and partnering with veterans’ groups to ensure Fort Cavazos keeps its rightful name. This is about more than a name on a sign – it’s about respect. As we pointed out, Latinos have fought and died for this country since its founding. We must not let anyone erase that history or glorify those who fought to divide our nation. We are pleased to report that, amid public pressure, momentum to restore the old name has stalled for now. LULAC will stay vigilant on this issue. (For more context: Fort Cavazos was one of several bases renamed in 2023 as the U.S. military moved to stop commemorating Confederate figures. LULAC proudly supported these changes as steps toward a more inclusive military that honors heroes of all backgrounds.)

LULAC Legacy - Did You Know?

LULAC was involved in issues of discrimination and equal rights in a variety of other ways, as well. In the 1930s the league investigated charges of discrimination by the WPA and supported the Alazan-Apache Courts in San Antonio, the first public housing in the United States. In the late 1930s LULAC fought to change the classification of Mexican Americans as "Mexicans" in the coming (1940) United States census. In the 1940s LULAC member Edmundo E. Mireles promoted the teaching of the Spanish language in Texas schools, and LULAC worked with the Federal Employment Practices Commission to open up jobs for Mexican Americans in the defense industry. In the 1950s LULAC opposed the McCarran Immigration Act and helped desegregate the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville. LULAC members were also involved in Hernández v. State of Texas, which gave Mexican Americans the right to serve on juries. LULAC supported the Texas farmworkers' march in 1966 and endorsed the Equal Rights Amendment in 1974. Around 1978 LULAC took up the José Campos Torres police-brutality case.

Support LULAC’s Legal Defense Fund

Each of these stories shows the importance of vigilance and advocacy. Whether it’s fighting in the courts or speaking out in Congress, LULAC is on the front lines defending the rights of Latino communities and all Americans. We can’t do it alone – your support is crucial. Last week, we launched the LULAC Legal Defense Fund to bolster these efforts. Join us in this fight! Consider making a donation to the LULAC Legal Defense Fund to help sustain our legal battles for justice. Every contribution empowers LULAC to challenge unconstitutional actions and protect civil rights where they’re under threat. Together, we can ensure that our Constitution and core values are upheld for everyone.

👉Click here to donate to the LULAC Legal Defense Fund today. Every bit helps us continue the critical work of protecting our community’s rights and future.

Upcoming Events: Join Us!

LULAC has many exciting events on the horizon. Here are a few key dates you won’t want to miss:

  • 2025 LULAC National Convention & Exposition – August 6–9, 2025, in Long Beach, CA (LULAC Events). This is the big one – our annual national conference, with thousands of attendees expected. The theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Come experience four days of policy discussions, leadership training, community service, and celebration of Latino culture. (Plus, a fabulous expo hall showcasing organizations that serve our community.) Save the date – more information to come, but start planning your trip now!

For a full list of upcoming events and how to register, visit the LULAC Events page. We hope to see you at one of these gatherings – everyone is invited to participate and strengthen the LULAC movement!

Stay Engaged:

Join LULAC or Renew Your Membership: Our strength is our members! If you’re not yet a LULAC member or need to renew, join us today to support this important work.

Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to LULAC to fuel our civil rights campaigns, youth programs, and more. Every dollar helps empower Latinos across the country.

Spread the Word: Forward this newsletter to friends and family who care about our community’s future. Encourage them to follow LULAC on social media for daily updates.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter and for being an engaged member of nuestra comunidad. Together, we are facing challenges with courage and creating opportunities for Latinos across the country.

Adelante!
LULAC National