Voto Latino Responds to Recent Violence in Texas Amid Rise in Extremist Rhetoric in the US

Over the span of one weekend, two tragic and deadly incidents played out in Texas. While investigations are ongoing into the motives behind the mall shooting in Allen, Texas and the vehicular killings in Brownsville, Texas, it is impossible to ignore that many have connected these deaths to our nation’s immigration situation.

No matter the ultimate findings in both of these horrific Texas crimes, it is important that we call out the inflammatory words and false claims that others are using to ratchet up tensions within our country. That is especially true as the unjust policy of Title 42 expulsions is set to expire later this week. There is already a campaign of fear-mongering in full swing that serves no purpose other than dehumanizing refugees seeking asylum at our border and making life more treacherous for Latinos in America regardless of status.

We can’t ignore the direct line between words and actions. When elected officials demonize migrants, their words incite violence. They must be held accountable. With Title 42 lifting this week, we need to lower the temperature instead of inflaming tensions for political gain.

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Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.