Editor’s Note: This article was initially written by Espi Sandoval, an Educator based in Central Valley, California.
The passing of the Laken Riley Act represents not just a tragic policy failure but a deeply hurtful betrayal of the Latino community, particularly in the California Central Valley. It is impossible to ignore the contradictions and injustices of this legislation, which, despite its claim to address the death of a young woman, criminalizes immigrant communities and exacerbates the systemic racism they already face. It is disheartening to see this bill garner bipartisan support, especially from elected representatives who claim to serve marginalized communities but are, in reality, disconnected from the daily struggles of their constituents.
The Laken Riley Act, although framed as a necessary response to the tragic loss of life, disproportionately targets immigrants, particularly Latino families. The bill perpetuates harmful stereotypes, painting immigrants as criminals when, in fact, many of us contribute significantly to society, especially in vital sectors such as agriculture. As someone living in the Central Valley, I know firsthand the fear and anxiety that accompany the constant threat of deportation. The bill only intensifies that fear, casting an unfair shadow over entire communities just trying to live and work with dignity.
What is especially painful is the bipartisan support for this act, including some elected officials who should champion our rights and protect our communities. Among them are Democrats Jim Costa, Adam Gray, and Josh Harder, who represent some of the most heavily Latino districts in the Central Valley. Alongside Republican David Valadao, these lawmakers have voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act, thus aligning themselves with forces that have historically vilified our people. By doing so, they have effectively turned their backs on the communities that put them in office.
What makes their support for this bill even more egregious is the stark contrast between their experiences and the reality of the communities they represent. These four individuals are profoundly disconnected from the suffering of Latino communities because they grew up privileged and have never had to experience the daily fear that many of us face. They will never understand what it is like to grow up with the constant threat of racial profiling, deportation, or separation from family. They have lived lives that shield them from the hardship and trauma many of us endure. And yet, despite this, they continue to use their positions of power to harm their constituents.
The reality is that these elected officials view the Latino community as a political commodity, a voting bloc that can be counted on during election time but disregarded when the stakes are high. They see us as sheep voters who can be easily swayed with promises but are not worthy of absolute protection, respect, or justice. These lawmakers are more interested in appeasing their political donors and maintaining their positions of power than in representing the needs and aspirations of the people who elected them.
Moreover, they rely on the support of other Latino elected officials who, out of political necessity, turn a blind eye to the harm their colleagues cause. These Latino representatives, who depend on the financial backing of the very politicians voting to criminalize our communities, abandon their people to preserve their power. In this way, they perpetuate a cycle of betrayal, choosing their careers over the well-being of their community.
The passing of the Laken Riley Act should serve as a wake-up call to all of us whom those in power have betrayed. It is time to recognize that these four politicians, Costa, Gray, Harder, and Valadao, are not working in our best interests. They do not understand our pain or care about the real-life consequences of their actions. They see us as a means to an end: a voting block to be courted during election season but ignored when it comes time to stand up for justice.
As a community, we must hold these representatives accountable. We must demand that they face the consequences of their betrayal. We cannot afford to remain passive, to accept that our voices are not being heard. Our votes should not be taken for granted, and our lives should not be used as bargaining chips in political games. It is time for us to rise up and hold our elected officials to the highest standard of accountability.
We deserve representatives who will stand with us, not against us. We deserve leaders who will fight for our rights, protect our families, and advocate for the values of justice, equality, and humanity that should guide this nation. Costa, Gray, Harder, and Valadao must understand that the time for their betrayal is over. We will no longer be silenced, and we will no longer allow our elected officials to use us as political pawns.
The time for change is now. Our community is strong, and our voices will not be ignored. Let us stand together to demand that those who have failed us be held accountable. We must ensure that our representatives understand that we are not just voters. We are people and will no longer allow our suffering to be used as a stepping stone for political gain.
Espi Sandoval
Educator
Central California
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