Virginia LULAC is frustrated and angered that Temporary Protected Status for approximately 170,000 Salvadorans is set to expire on September 9, 2026, threatening the ability of thousands of longtime residents to continue living and working legally in the United States. Approximately 170,000 Salvadorans living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are facing the expiration of their protections on September 9, 2026, putting their ability to legally work an

Virginia LULAC is horrified and deeply disturbed by reports concerning the treatment of José Mejía during an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and by the serious questions surrounding his ability to receive necessary medical care afterward. On August 11, Mejía Hernandez was walking to work in Arlington when, according to his account, he was approached by two individuals whom he did not initially know were federal immigration agents. Mejía Hernandez says

ARLINGTON, VA — Virginia LULAC applauds and congratulate the Arlington County Board for unanimously strengthening Arlington's Trust Policy, reaffirming the County's commitment to protecting immigrant families, strengthening public trust, and ensuring that every resident can engage with local government and access essential services without unnecessary fear. On May 13, 2025, the Arlington County Board voted unanimously, 5-0, to strengthen "Arlington's Commitment to Strengtheni

Virginia LULAC mourns the passing and honors the extraordinary life of Robert “Bob” Garcia, a stalwart advocate for civil rights, a dedicated LULAC leader, an educator, a veteran, and a lifelong champion for Virginia’s Latino community. Bob passed away peacefully at his home in Arlington, Virginia, on August 20, 2026, at the age of 84. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Bob built a life defined by service, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. For Virginia LULA

Virginia LULAC is outraged and deeply disturbed by the conduct of federal immigration enforcement officers operating in our communities and by the growing fear these operations are creating among Virginians. Federal law enforcement has a responsibility to enforce the law, but that responsibility does not give any agency unlimited authority to intimidate, threaten, or endanger the people it is sworn to serve. On August 10, 2026, Carolina Molina, a U.S. citizen, Northern Virgin

Virginia LULAC is heartbroken by the devastating earthquake that struck Colombia and the tremendous loss of life, injuries, displacement and destruction it has caused. Our hearts are with the people of Colombia, the families who have lost loved ones, those still searching for family members and friends, and every community now facing the difficult road toward recovery. On August 10, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicenter near S

T Virginia LULAC is proud to recognize one of our own, Roberto Maldonado Jr., a proud Virginia LULAC member, dedicated educator, United States Air Force veteran, community leader, and candidate for Manassas Park City Council. Born in New York City and raised in the South Bronx to a proud Puerto Rican family, Roberto has devoted his life to one calling: serving others. His story is one of courage, sacrifice, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to building stronger communi

Virginia LULAC is proud to recognize one of our own, Helen Zurita, a longtime community advocate, trusted ally of the Latino community, running for the Manassas City Council. For many years, Helen has stood alongside Latino families throughout Manassas and Prince William County. She has earned the trust and respect of the community not through words alone, but through years of unwavering service. When families have faced hardship, uncertainty, or barriers to accessing help, H

Virginia LULAC is deeply disturbed by reports and video footage depicting the arrest of Victor Perez Martin by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers outside the Sentara BelleHarbour campus in Suffolk, Virginia, on July 6, 2026. According to public reporting and statements made by Mr. Perez Martin's attorney, the arrest involved the use of significant physical force, raising serious questions about whether that force was necessary, reasonable, and consistent

Virginia LULAC is deeply saddened by the tragic shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas. Mr. Salgado Araujo was far more than a headline. He was a husband, a father, a hardworking construction professional, and a respected member of his community who spent decades working to provide a better future for his family. By all accounts, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo embodied the values of hard work, family, and perseverance. His family shared that he spent more than thr

Today, Virginia LULAC proudly celebrates one of our own, longtime member, community leader, and dedicated advocate Yesy Amaya, on her appointment to the Virginia Latino Advisory Board. This appointment reflects years of unwavering service, principled leadership, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of Latino families throughout the Commonwealth. Councilwoman Amaya has established herself as one of Northern Virginia's most respected voices for community engagement and

Virginia LULAC is proud to spotlight one of our members, Douglas Mejia, who is running for a seat on the Herndon Town Council in the November election. Born and raised in Herndon, Virginia, Douglas is the bilingual son of immigrant parents whose upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for community service, compassion, and civic engagement. From a young age, he recognized the importance of giving back and has spent much of his life serving others. Douglas began his jo

Virginia LULAC was proud to attend the 2026 LULAC National Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, joining thousands of LULAC members, community leaders, elected officials, advocates, and partners from across the United States. What began as an opportunity to represent Virginia quickly became an inspiring reminder that we are part of a movement much larger than ourselves, one dedicated to advancing civil rights, educational opportunity, civic engagement, and service to Latino commun

Virginia LULAC celebrates Governor Abigail Spanberger, the Virginia General Assembly, and legislative leaders for reaching a budget agreement that demonstrates the power of collaboration, compromise, and democratic governance. The budget process this year became one of the most closely watched debates in Virginia politics, stretching for months and requiring a special legislative session before lawmakers reached a final agreement just days before the July 1 fiscal deadline. A

Virginia LULAC mourns the devastating tragedy that has struck the people of Venezuela following this week's catastrophic earthquakes. As rescue efforts continue, reports indicate that hundreds of people have lost their lives and thousands more have been injured, with the death toll expected to rise as emergency crews continue searching for survivors. Our hearts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this unimaginable d

At the 2026 National Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), delegates from across the United States came together to make history. During the National Assembly, delegates approved by the required 2/3 vote a constitutional amendment formally recognizing LGBTQ+ members through the creation of Vice President of LGBTQ Affairs positions at the national, state, and local council levels. The action took place during the 2026 LULAC National Convention in

Virginia LULAC is incredibly proud to recognize and celebrate one of our own, Oriella Mejia, on her successful graduation from The Campaign School at Yale University, one of the nation's most prestigious leadership and campaign training programs. Held annually at Yale Law School in New Haven, Connecticut, The Campaign School at Yale University selects only 80 participants from across the country for its intensive Summer Session. The program's mission is to train women, and th

Virginia LULAC joins millions of Americans in celebrating Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and marks one of the most significant milestones in our nation's history. Juneteenth is more than a historical anniversary. It is a symbol of the triumph of freedom over oppression, hope over despair, and justice over injustice. It represents the closing of one chapter in American history defined by human bondage and the opening of another in w

Immediate Release - June 15, 2026 Today marks the 14th anniversary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), one of the most impactful immigration initiatives in modern American history. Created on June 15, 2012, by then-Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, DACA provided temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. For hundreds of thousands of Dreamers, DACA re

Virginia LULAC is deeply saddened, disappointed, and angered by Governor Abigail Spanberger's decision to veto House Bill 650 and Senate Bill 351, legislation passed by Virginia's elected representatives to protect immigrant families and preserve trust in our courts and public institutions. The bills would have restricted warrantless civil immigration arrests in Virginia courthouses and other protected spaces unless supported by proper judicial authorization. These bills were