LULAC MAKES HISTORY, CONFRONTS DHS IN FORMAL ACTION OVER ILLEGAL DEPORTATION OF ADRIAN RENGEL
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Leads Call to Protect Millions of Latinos from Government Overreach and Injustice
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has filed a landmark formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding accountability for the unlawful detention, interrogation, and deportation of Adrian Rengel, a Latino man who was targeted without due process. This action marks the first direct action of its type to challenge the systemic abuses by federal authorities against members of the Latino community.
"The actions of DHS and other federal agencies in this case represent a complete abandonment of civil and human rights," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "LULAC will not stand by as Latino men and women are targeted simply because of how they look or speak. These are not so-called 'criminal aliens.' These are hardworking individuals who contribute to our nation's prosperity and public safety. We will continue to fight back against these illegal actions that not only devastate families but also undermine our economy and destroy trust in our government."
Mr. Rengel, a legal U.S. resident, was apprehended solely based on his physical appearance and accent. He was wrongfully questioned, stripped of his rights, and deported to El Salvador, where he was held in CECOT, one of the most dangerous prison facilities in the world. His case highlights the ongoing campaign of racial profiling, fear, and persecution that threatens millions of Latinos nationwide. A prisoner exchange allowed Rengel to be sent to Venezuela.
“You don’t have to be a constitutional scholar for the Rengel case to set off alarms. If you’re an American who believes in justice at all, this case should be shocking. Detaining and disappearing someone without cause or access to legal recourse is illegal and abhorrent,” said Amb. Norm Eisen, executive chair of Democracy Defenders Fund. “This kind of conduct may be straight out of the Trump playbook on immigration, but it has nothing to do with the American Constitution or our values.”
"We conducted an exhaustive review of the facts and concluded that Mr. Rengel's case is a travesty of justice that demands national attention," said Juan Proaño, LULAC Chief Executive Officer. "His story is a wake-up call for every American who believes in the promise of the Constitution and the rule of law. We must not allow political agendas to trample due process and the fundamental rights guaranteed to all people in this country."
LULAC is calling on every American to take action by contacting their state and federal representatives to demand accountability from DHS and an immediate end to racial profiling and unlawful deportations. This is not just a Latino issue — it is an American issue, one that strikes at the very heart of our democratic values.
"We urge every citizen to rise, speak out, and refuse to be silent in the face of this injustice," said Palomares. "History teaches us that when the rights of one group are violated, the rights of all are endangered. LULAC will remain on the front lines until justice is restored," he added.
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.