Well said by DLOV and VALULAC:
Joint Statement from the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV) and Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (VALULAC)
Strong Opposition to H.R. 29 and S.5, the Laken Riley Act, and a Call to Action for Senator Mark Warner
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2025
Virginia – The Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV), official Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia and the Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the Virginia chapter of the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization, stand united in firm opposition to H.R. 29, known as the Laken Riley Act. This legislation perpetuates systemic racism and discrimination against Latino, Black, and immigrant communities. Our hearts go out to the families affected and all families who have had similar situations happen to them. However, we cannot allow the unjust treatment or collective punishment of an entire community for the actions of a few individuals. Such approaches undermine justice and the values of fairness and inclusion, as well as the foundational ideals of Liberty and Justice for All. This is what our Founding Fathers envisioned for our country: a safe place for all communities to unite under justice and a democracy for the people and by the people.
Urgency of the Situation:
The Senate is poised to hold a final vote on the Laken Riley Act on Monday, January 20, 2025. The bill has advanced through procedural votes with bipartisan support, threatening to undermine the principles of fairness, due process, and equality that are foundational to our democracy.
Key Concerns with the Laken Riley Act
- Erosion of Due Process: The Laken Riley Act sets up a harmful pathway where individuals can be detained based on accusations alone, without the need for a conviction. This undermines the core principle of the presumption of innocence and prevents the ideals of true justice from being practiced. It creates a system where accusations, rather than evidence or due process, determine a person’s fate, leading to potential abuse and injustice.
- Economic Impact: The Laken Riley Act’s provision for detention based on accusations alone creates the risk of unjust detentions, potentially affecting innocent individuals who are wrongfully accused. This not only impacts those directly targeted but could also disrupt the economy at large, as false accusations can lead to the loss of jobs, increased legal costs, and a decrease in consumer confidence. The threat of wrongful detention and disruption of livelihoods could disproportionately affect all Americans, destabilizing the workforce and hindering economic growth.
- Overreach of State Powers: The Laken Riley Act allows states to pass laws targeting specific populations and sue the federal government for not enforcing these laws, even if it harms other states that do not wish to divide or harm their own citizens. This forces other states to uphold policies that may not align with their values, disrupting the balance of power and threatening the unity and well-being of all citizens.
- Unjust Treatment of Communities: We cannot have a public flogging of a community that does not represent the afflicted actions of a few. Nor can we allow the unjust treatment or collective punishment of an entire community for the actions of a few individuals. Such approaches undermine justice and the values of fairness and inclusion, as well as the principles of liberty and justice for all.
Voices from Our Communities
Zuraya Tapia-Hadley, Member of the Arlington County School Board, emphasized: “This legislation threatens to undo years of progress in creating an equitable society. As a leader in education, I see how immigrant families enrich our schools and communities. This bill sends the wrong message, promotes a lack of due process, and violates the principles of fairness we strive to teach our children.”
Diana Brown, Member of the Manassas City School Board, added: “We already have defined crime and violation consequences in this country, and this bill simply manipulates the system to malign all immigrants and hinder due process. While this legislation imperils our progress, I’m optimistic about our capacity for collective action and positive change. As an education leader and immigrant, I know that our diversity is our strength, and that together, we can create inclusive communities that thrive. This bill is misguided, but it won’t define us – our shared values and aspirations will.”
Carla Bustillos, Chair of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV), stated: “National security should protect the core values of American democracy, including fairness, equality, and the safety of all people—citizens, new Americans, and minority communities alike. This bill, as it stands, disrupts due process and weaponizes fear to justify police state tactics under the guise of national security. By targeting immigrant and minority communities, it increases their vulnerability while undermining the principles that make America strong and just. We cannot stand by as our democracy is eroded in the name of false security.”
Christopher Concepcion, State Director of Virginia LULAC, reinforced: “Your leadership is crucial, Senator Warner,” said Cristopher Concepcion, State Director of LULAC Virginia. “Voting against this bill sends a clear message that fairness, equity, and justice are non-negotiable in our democracy.”
A Plea to Senator Mark Warner
As Virginia constituents and Community Leaders representing the voice of many we urge our U.S. Senator Mark Warner, to vote NO on H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. His leadership is crucial in opposing legislation that undermines due process, promotes discrimination, and threatens the well-being of Virginia’s communities. Voting against this bill sends a clear message that fairness and equity remain at the forefront of American democracy.
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About Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV):
The Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia (DLOV) is the official Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Virginia. Our mission is to strengthen Latino participation in the political process and to support Democratic candidates and policies that prioritize the advancement of the Latino community in Virginia. Through active engagement, advocacy, and voter mobilization, we aim to amplify Latino voices within the Democratic Party, ensuring their concerns are addressed at every level of government and that policies reflect the values of fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for all Virginians.
About Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (VALULAC):
The Virginia League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the state chapter of the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, Virginia LULAC advocates for the economic, educational, and social advancement of Latinos in Virginia. Through advocacy, community initiatives, and public policy efforts, LULAC works to combat discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and protect the civil rights of underrepresented communities. Committed to fostering leadership and creating lasting change, Virginia LULAC strives to build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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