Local reaction to sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)- Local organizations and local lawmakers are now reacting to the sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez and releasing statements on the allegations.

New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Lujan released the following statement:

"The allegations against Cesar Chavez are horrific. Abuse of any kind, especially against children, is indefensible and a betrayal of the values that Latino leaders have championed for generations. There is no excuse.

The fight for civil rights, fair wages, and dignity has always been carried forward by millions of Latino workers, organizers, and families. Those are the values that we must uphold and fight for every single day.

His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions, and honors. We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.

My prayers are with the victims who have gone unheard for far too long. They deserve justice, accountability, and to finally be heard."

NAMI El Paso has released the following statement:

"NAMI El Paso has observed César Chávez Day by closing in past years in recognition of the farmworkers' movement and its lasting impact. NAMI El Paso is horrified by the deeply disturbing allegations released.
NAMI El Paso will still be closed on March 31st, for a Mental Health Day. We do so while honoring the farmworkers' movement, standing with survivors, and recognizing the continued work of building communities rooted in justice, healing, and accountability."

Texas Senator Cesar Blanco released the following statement:

“For decades, farmworkers and their families have carried a movement rooted in sacrifice, dignity, and the belief that their labor, and their lives, matter. The stories we’re hearing from survivors, including Dolores Huerta and innocent minors, demand our full attention and seriousness. They point to harm, silence, and abuses of power that should never be tolerated in any place and under any circumstance.  

We owe it to those who came forward, and to those who never could, to listen, to take these allegations of sexual assault against Cesar Chavez seriously, and to ensure accountability. 

The fight for farmworker justice has always been grounded in dignity and respect. Those values must be upheld not only in what we demand, but also in how we conduct ourselves and protect one another.

I stand with survivors, and I remain committed to fighting for justice for farmworkers in a way that reflects those principles.”

Commissioner David Stout released the following statement:

I am deeply troubled by the recent allegations and historical accounts of abuse associated with Cesar Chavez. The reports of sexual abuse are disturbing and horrific, and they must be acknowledged with honesty and seriousness. I want to recognize the courage of the survivors and every person who has been harmed. Speaking up about abuse, especially when it involves figures whose legacies are deeply woven into our history, takes tremendous strength. Those voices deserve to be heard, respected, and believed.

The farmworker movement and the broader fight for civil rights are bigger than any one person. They were built by generations of farmworkers, women, organizers, and immigrant families who demanded dignity, safety, and fair treatment. Their sacrifices and their courage are what shaped that movement, and their stories should remain at the center of how we remember this history.

I believe our public art, monuments, and the way we represent our history should reflect our community’s values. I look forward to discussing this with my colleagues on Commissioners Court and hearing from the public as we consider how our history is represented and what we choose to honor moving forward.

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement:

“No one should have to suffer in silence to protect a man or a movement. The courage and leadership Dolores Huerta and these other women have shown in coming forward is remarkable. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering they’ve endured over decades. Thank you for showing us what real strength is.”

County Judge Samaniego released the following statement:

As the allegations surrounding Cesar Chavez are concerning and continue to be addressed, March 31st should remain a day dedicated to honoring the farmworkers, including community leaders who dedicated their lives advocating for dignity, fair wages, and fundamental human rights.
This morning, I spoke with Betsy Keller, Chief Administrator, to add an agenda item for the March 30th Commissioners Court meeting to recognize the farmworkers whose labor and sacrifice have helped shape our nation. El Paso County will also observe this year’s federal holiday as a moment to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of farmworkers, working families, and all those whose dedication continues to strengthen our communities.
Our hearts are with all victims of sexual violence. We stand in support of those who have endured the unimaginable and honor their strength.

U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar released this statement on social media :

"The credible allegations against Cesar Chavez for rape and sexual abuse are horrific. My heart is with the survivors who, for decades, have seen their abuser lauded as a hero. As one of them says: “The movement — that’s the hero. We will continue to uplift farmworkers and their families, and celebrate their fight for justice and fairness. Chavez’s name should be removed from all our public landmarks and buildings, and I am eager to work with the community on next steps. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or are experiencing distressing feelings, you are not alone. You can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or the suicide crisis hotline at 988."

U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement:

The allegations against Cesar Chavez are horrific. Abuse of any kind, especially against children, is indefensible and a betrayal of the values that Latino leaders have championed for generations. There is no excuse. The fight for civil rights, fair wages, and dignity has always been carried forward by millions of Latino workers, organizers, and families. Those are the values that we must uphold and fight for every single day. His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions, and honors. We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm. My prayers are with the victims who have gone unheard for far too long. They deserve justice, accountability, and to finally be heard.”

U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) released the following statement:

"The accounts of sexual abuse and rape involving Cesar Chavez are abhorrent and appalling, and I condemn his actions in the strongest terms possible. The survivors who came forward must be heard, supported, and taken seriously. This moment demands real accountability, including removing his name from our schools, streets, and other public landmarks. The movement Chavez helped advance belongs to the people and to the farmworkers, not any one person, and confronting the truth is necessary to move forward with justice, compassion, and integrity."

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) statement:

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez. No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others. LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered.

The actions of one person neither reflect nor diminish the integrity of the farmworker movement. LULAC remains unchanged in its support of the farmworker movement and the countless men and women who, for generations, have labored in the fields, often unseen and unheard, to sustain their families and feed this nation. Their contributions are indispensable, and their voices must be respected and protected. Our commitment is clear: to uphold dignity for all, to support those who have been harmed, and to continue advancing the civil and human rights central to the promise of America.