La Union del Pueblo Entero is calling out Rio Grande Valley lawmakers Rep. Roberto “Bobby” Guerra, Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., Rep. Ryan Guillen, Rep. Oscar Longoria, and Rep. Janie Lopez for supporting the bill that reinforces punitive measures against immigrant families in the Rio Grande Valley. 

La Unión del Pueblo Entero condemns the passage of SB4, a bill that mandates a 10-year minimum sentencing for anyone that provides transportation to an undocumented immigrant. The bill was passed during the special legislative session with the support from state representatives in the Rio Grande Valley, drawing criticism from local immigration advocates. 

In response to this, Dani Marrero Hi, deputy director of LUPE, said, “We are disappointed at the Rio Grande Valley state representatives who voted in favor of SB4, a bill that doubles down on extreme penalties against immigrant families. These types of policies target immigrant families for simply trying to get by, and they add to the dangerous anti-immigrant rhetoric that violates our South Texas values. Working families in the Valley have repeatedly asked our representatives to prioritize resources that will strengthen our communities and keep families together, like improving our infrastructure and access to health care. It’s a shame that certain representatives are instead prioritizing more criminalization of our community.”

To arrange virtual or in person interviews with a LUPE representative, contact Ramiro Gonzalez, LUPE Communications Coordinator, at (956) 360-4277 or ramirog@lupenet.org. Interviews available in English and Spanish.