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:National News: Trump’s new immigration orders, top immigration headlines, and the DHS rollout of REAL ID (with insight from LULAC National President Roman Palomares). Policy News: Updates on Latino economic empowerment, health & wellness (including Medicaid and mental health), technology & AI policy, and immigration reform efforts in Congress. Local News: Highlights of LULAC councils in action – from Cinco de Mayo community events and cultural celebrations to youth engagement and advocacy rallies across the country. National News:  Trump Administration Intensifies Immigration Crackdown:President Trump has issued new executive orders targeting undocumented immigrants as part of an aggressive enforcement agenda. Most recently, on April 28 he signed an executive order directing the Attorney General and DHS to identify and penalize “sanctuary” cities that limit cooperation with ICE. This could put major cities at risk of losing federal funding if they’re deemed non-compliant. These actions come on the heels of a series of hardline measures in the administration’s first 100 days – including a national emergency declaration at the border, deployment of 10,000 troops, and an unprecedented goal of deporting one million immigrants annually. The White House credits these moves for driving border crossings to historic lows, but immigrant communities and LULAC warn of severe humanitarian impacts. Enforcement Controversies Dominate Immigration Headlines:This week brought stark reminders of the human toll and legal battles spurred by ramped-up enforcement. In one incident, three U.S. citizen children were deported to Honduras alongside their undocumented mothers, after the families attended routine ICE check-ins. Among them was a 4-year-old boy battling cancer who was removed without his medication. A federal judge voiced “strong suspicion that the government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process,” underscoring concerns about due process violations. Meanwhile, a federal court in Texas struck down a Trump administration policy targeting Venezuelan refugees as unlawful. The administration had attempted to use a 1798 wartime law (the Alien Enemies Act) to expedite deportations of Venezuelans, but Judge Fernando Rodriguez ruled that this overstepped legal authority. “We welcome this decision as a victory for families and all those who believe seeking refuge from violence is not a crime,” said LULAC National President Roman Palomares. LULAC was a plaintiff in the case and hailed the ruling for upholding due process and America’s humanitarian values. REAL ID Rollout Begins – What It Means for Immigrants:  This week marked the long-awaited implementation of DHS’s REAL ID requirements for air travel and federal facility access (the official enforcement deadline was May 7, 2025). As of now, adults must present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID (like a passport) to board domestic flights. The transition comes nearly 20 years after Congress passed the REAL ID Act, and about 20% of U.S. travelers still lack a compliant ID. Homeland Security has so far taken a soft approach to enforcement, partly because regulations allow a gradual phase-in through 2027.However, LULAC is raising concerns about the potential impact on undocumented and other immigrant communities. Many states still do not permit undocumented residents to obtain REAL ID licenses, meaning those individuals could effectively be barred from flying domestically or entering certain federal buildings. “As REAL ID enforcement takes effect, we must ensure it doesn’t become a new barrier for our immigrant communities,” warns LULAC President Roman Palomares. “Security is important, but we can’t let this rollout marginalize people who live, work, and raise families here. No one should be grounded from seeing their family or accessing services simply because of their immigration status,” said Palomares in a statement about the new rules. He and LULAC emphasize the need for flexibility (such as accepting alternative IDs) so that REAL ID implementation doesn’t unfairly punish law-abiding immigrants. DHS officials, for their part, insist the policy is about safety, not immigration status – but comments from some in the administration (such as a suggestion that “illegal aliens should not be allowed to fly…unless self-deporting”) have done little to ease community concerns. Policy News:  Economic Empowerment:In Houston, a plan to overhaul the city’s minority-owned business contracting program recently sparked intense debate. A new disparity study – commissioned amid a lawsuit aiming to dismantle the program – found that Hispanic-, Asian-, and women-owned businesses no longer face disparities in certain contracting categories. City officials initially proposed removing those groups from parts of the Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program and shifting them into a race-neutral small-business category. LULAC blasted the idea as a step backward, questioning the study’s low 2% response rate and warning that it could erase decades of hard-won progress. The controversy put Houston at the center of a broader conversation about how to uphold equity in public contractingwhile navigating legal challenges. LULAC’s advocacy proved pivotal in this showdown. LULAC emerged as a leading voice urging the city to reconsider, cautioning that yielding to legal threats would set a dangerous national precedent. Roman Palomares and Juan Proaño argued that excluding minority firms from opportunities would undermine Houston’s proud legacy of diversity and send the wrong signal to other cities. LULAC’s firm pressure – alongside pushback from other minority business advocates – helped convince Houston’s leaders to reverse course. In a 12–3 vote, the City Council opted to keep the MWBE program intact while formally accepting the disparity study’s findings. This compromise preserved inclusive contracting goals and averted a rollback of minority business participation. Houston’s decision, achieved with LULAC’s steadfast support, is being hailed as a victory for opportunity and a hopeful example for communities nationwide facing similar tests of their minority business programs. Health & Wellness:May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and new reports underline critical health gaps for Latinos. In one California county, officials reported a 48% rise in suicide rates among Latino residents, pointing to growing mental health needs. Nationwide, Latino communities continue to struggle with healthcare access – an issue that could be exacerbated by policy changes under debate. Proposals in Congress to impose Medicaid work requirements have alarmed advocates, with a study estimating that over 2 million Latinos (including 2.3 million people in California alone) could lose Medicaid coverage if such rules take effect. LULAC is closely monitoring these developments. We support efforts to expand culturally competent mental health services and are pushing back against any cuts that would deprive families of medical care. On the bright side, 88% of Latinos now have health insurance, thanks in part to ACA expansions, but many still delay care due to cost – indicating more work is needed to achieve true health equity. Technology & AI:From state capitals to Capitol Hill, policymakers are grappling with how to harness artificial intelligence while preventing bias. At least 45 states have introduced AI-related legislation in 2025, with many bills focusing on regulating “high-risk” AI systems and preventing algorithmic discrimination. Just recently, Virginia enacted a law addressing AI bias in critical sectors, and Texas lawmakers introduced the Responsible AI Governance Act to promote oversight and even create a sandbox for AI testing. Federally, a bipartisan group of senators unveiled the TEST AI Act to improve evaluation of AI algorithms for fairness and transparency. Civil rights organizations, including LULAC, are weighing in to ensure that AI and tech policies protect our communities. There is tremendous opportunity in emerging tech – from expanding broadband access to using AI for education – but we must be vigilant. As the National Hispanic Media Coalition noted, AI must be developed and used in ways that amplify Latino voices and guard against harmful biases that could disproportionately impact people of color. LULAC supports ethical AI efforts and digital inclusion initiatives so that Latinos are not left behind in the tech economy. Immigration Reform:While enforcement dominates headlines, the push for comprehensive immigration reform is not dead. A bipartisan coalition in the House reintroduced the DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act, a sweeping proposal that pairs strict border security measures with a potential path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria. The bill – championed by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and allies – would provide a form of relief for Dreamers, TPS holders, and others after paying fines and meeting background checks. At the same time, hardline legislation is also advancing: the House Judiciary Committee approved a separate measure that would represent the largest expansion of immigration detention in U.S. history, authorizing funds to detain up to 100,000 people at a time and imposing hefty fees on immigration applications (including a $1,000 fee per asylum claim). Observers warn that these fees would create “significant barriers” for vulnerable immigrants seeking asylum or legal status. LULAC continues to advocate for sensible immigration reform that balances security with humanity. We are urging Congress to consider solutions like the DREAM Act and farmworker visas, and to reject extremist provisions that undermine due process or put legalization further out of reach. The coming weeks will be critical as budget and immigration debates converge on Capitol Hill. Local News: LULAC Councils Making a DifferenceOur LULAC councils nationwide have been busy leading and uplifting their communities. Here are a few highlights from this past week showcasing community leadership, innovation, advocacy, and youth engagement at the local level:Temple, Texas – Spicing Up Cinco de Mayo for a Cause: LULAC Council #4971 in Temple teamed up with a local chef to host the 2nd Annual Central Texas Salsa & Hot Sauce Festival over Cinco de Mayo weekend. The event brought out families for a day of fiery flavors and fun – all for a good cause. Proceeds supported scholarships for local students, underscoring LULAC’s commitment to education. “It’s a fun way to celebrate our culture and give back at the same time,” said Rita Jo Guerra, a Temple LULAC member, as attendees sampled spicy salsas. (Source: KCEN-TV) Vancouver, Washington – LULAC Empowers Youth (¡Feliz Día del Niño!): In the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest WA LULAC Council joined forces with a local folklórico dance group to host a Día del Niño(Children’s Day) celebration on April 29. Over 40 students and their families enjoyed an evening of cultural dances, games, and resources for youth and parents. The council-sponsored event – held in partnership with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico – aimed to honor children and inspire youth leadership. It was a joyous example of how LULAC councils are engaging Latino youth. (The Vancouver council’s next youth-focused event will be a college readiness workshop this summer.) Racine, Wisconsin – Standing Up for Voters and Students: LULAC members in Racine demonstrated true grassroots advocacy this week. On May 5, Racine LULAC partnered with local educators for a rally at Monument Square, then marched to the office of U.S. Congressman Brian Steil to deliver hundreds of constituent comment forms. This action – part of a weekly civic engagement effort – allowed residents to voice concerns on issues ranging from immigration to education funding. By joining this coalition, LULAC’s Wisconsin councils are ensuring Latino voices are heard by elected officials. “We’re here to hold our leaders accountable and fight for our students and families,” one LULAC member said during the march. The demonstration highlighted LULAC’s role in advocating for democracy and justice at the local level.Know of a great local LULAC project in your area? Let us know – we want to highlight our councils’ work! LULAC Legacy: Did You Know?  14th president – elected at the 1942 convention held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Served 8 months before being drafter into World War II.Ben, the son of Dr. Eligio Osuna and Aurelia Martinez Osuna, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 12, 1908. His father died in 1916 making it necessary for his eight children to work for their livelihood, which they did with determined effort. Ben attended the Albuquerque public schools and in 1930 graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1934, he received his LLB from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and began the practice of law the same year in Albuquerque. From 1936 to 1940, he served as the elected Probate Judge of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. In 1941, his term limitation having expired and having no elective office, he became an active rather than an active “passive” member of LULAC. From 1941 to 1942, he served as the elected president of LULAC council 34.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 Florida Convention – May 17, 2025, in Tampa, FL (LULAC Events). A full day of workshops and panels on Latino issues, plus keynote speeches from community leaders. Florida members are gearing up for an energizing convening – all are welcome! 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 |
Posted inDemocracy Immigration local news
LULAC National Update
