EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso leaders are responding to allegations of sexual abuse against César Chávez, the late labor leader and civil rights activist long celebrated for organizing farmworkers in the 1960s.
Chávez, a nationally known leader in the Latino civil rights movement during the 1960s, began organizing protests for farmworkers to receive better wages and working conditions.
On Wednesday, a multi-year New York Times investigation revealed detailed allegations that Chávez, who died in 1993, sexually abused and groomed young girls who worked in the movement, including civil rights icon and co-founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Dolores Huerta, who was in her 30’s at the time.
According to the investigation, the women say Chavez sexually abused them after grooming them, with the abuse happening as young as 12, during the time Chavez led the United Farm Workers Union.
Huerta, now 96 years old, has since come forward with her experience of sexual abuse at the hands of Chavez, releasing a statement stating, “I have kept a secret for the last 60 years because I believed that exposing the truth would hurt the farmworker movement I have spent my entire life fighting for,” Huerta said. “I can no longer stay silent and must share my own experiences.”
RELATED: Dolores Huerta reveals decades-long secret, alleges sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez
In the wake of the allegations, several local and national leaders have responded, with some calling for action and accountability, while emphasizing support for farmworkers.
This comes as several celebrations honoring March 31 as Cesar Chávez Day have been canceled. March 31 was established as Cesar Chávez Day to commemorate his legacy as a labor leader and civil rights activist. However, several celebrations in Texas and other states have been canceled at the request of the Cesar Chavez Foundation.
In El Paso, the city will mark March 31 under a new name, Community & Labor Heritage Day. The change comes amid what the city described as “a time of national reflection” following the allegations.
“El Paso County is aware of the recent allegations against Cesar Chavez and takes such matters seriously. The County will address the matter at a near-future Commissioners Court meeting,” El Paso County said.
RELATED: El Paso renames César Chávez Day as Community & Labor Heritage Day city holiday
In a statement, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus said the allegations are “deeply disturbing and profoundly serious,” adding, “We cannot celebrate a man, regardless of his accomplishments, if he harmed women and children in such vile ways.”
“While it’s heartbreaking when leaders are exposed as flawed beyond absolution, a just society has a duty to hold abusers accountable without exception,” CHC said.
The caucus said it also “unequivocally believes and stands with survivors,” and said it is “committed to work toward renaming streets, post offices, vessels, and holidays that bear Chávez’s name to instead honor our community and the farmworkers whose struggle defined the movement.”
“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus unequivocally believes and stands with survivors, and we condemn these abhorrent actions in the strongest possible terms. A movement stands on its values, not the misconduct of an individual. The strength of a movement is defined by its constituency, by its achievements, and, yes, by its willingness to hold its leaders accountable. We will always support the farmworkers who feed this nation, enrich our culture and elevate our values. We commend the UFW’s courage in standing by its constituency. We stand committed to work toward renaming streets, post offices, vessels, and holidays that bear Chávez’s name to instead honor our community and the farmworkers whose struggle defined the movement,” CHC added.
The caucus also pointed to upcoming events, saying, “This March 31, CHC members will recognize and honor farmworkers and their arduous, essential work, and reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to survivors and all who have been impacted at this time.”
The League of United Latin American Citizens said it “unequivocally condemns any form of sexual violence against women and minors and strongly denounces the actions alleged involving the late Cesar Chavez.” LULAC added, “No individual, regardless of stature or legacy, is above accountability when it comes to protecting and upholding the dignity of others.”
“LULAC stands with all victims of sexual abuse and affirms that no one has the right to exploit or harm children or women under any circumstances. We extend our deepest concern and solidarity to those who have suffered. The actions of one person neither reflect nor diminish the integrity of the farmworker movement. LULAC remains unchanged in its support of the farmworker movement and the countless men and women who, for generations, have labored in the fields, often unseen and unheard, to sustain their families and feed this nation. Their contributions are indispensable, and their voices must be respected and protected. Our commitment is clear: to uphold dignity for all, to support those who have been harmed, and to continue advancing the civil and human rights central to the promise of America,” LULAC said.
El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said the allegations were troubling for a community where Chávez has long been viewed as a symbol of labor and civil rights.
“Like many people in our community, I was concerned to hear about the recent allegations involving César Chávez,” Johnson said. “For generations of families in El Paso, especially in our Latino community, César Chávez has been a symbol of hard work, sacrifice, and the fight for dignity for working people. His legacy is something many here grew up learning about and respecting.”
He added, “At the same time, these are serious allegations. They deserve to be taken seriously, and we have to approach them with care, with respect for the facts, and with compassion for anyone who may have been affected. People may reflect on what this means, and it’s possible that some observances may look different this year. But El Paso has always been a community grounded in respect, strong values, and a commitment to doing what is right. I expect that will continue to guide us moving forward.”
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said March 31 should remain focused on farmworkers.
“As the allegations surrounding Cesar Chavez are concerning and continue to be addressed, March 31st should remain a day dedicated to honoring the farmworkers, including community leaders who dedicated their lives advocating for dignity, fair wages, and fundamental human rights,” Samaniego said.
He said he spoke “this morning” with Betsy Keller, chief administrator, to add an agenda item for the March 30 Commissioners Court meeting “to recognize the farmworkers whose labor and sacrifice have helped shape our nation.”
“El Paso County will also observe this year’s federal holiday as a moment to acknowledge the resilience and contributions of farmworkers, working families, and all those whose dedication continues to strengthen our communities. Our hearts are with all victims of sexual violence. We stand in support of those who have endured the unimaginable and honor their strength,” Samaniego said.
El Paso County Commissioner David Stout said, “I am deeply troubled by the recent allegations and historical accounts of abuse associated with Cesar Chavez. The reports of sexual abuse are disturbing and horrific, and they must be acknowledged with honesty and seriousness. I want to recognize the courage of the survivors and every person who has been harmed. Speaking up about abuse, especially when it involves figures whose legacies are deeply woven into our history, takes tremendous strength. Those voices deserve to be heard, respected, and believed.”
He added, “The farmworker movement and the broader fight for civil rights are bigger than any one person. They were built by generations of farmworkers, women, organizers, and immigrant families who demanded dignity, safety, and fair treatment. Their sacrifices and their courage are what shaped that movement, and their stories should remain at the center of how we remember this history. I believe our public art, monuments, and the way we represent our history should reflect our community’s values. I look forward to discussing this with my colleagues on Commissioners Court and hearing from the public as we consider how our history is represented and what we choose to honor moving forward.”
U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez called the allegations “abhorrent and appalling,” and said, “This moment demands real accountability, including removing his name from our schools, streets, and other public landmarks.” Vasquez added, “The movement Chavez helped advance belongs to the people and to the farmworkers, not any one person, and confronting the truth is necessary to move forward with justice, compassion, and integrity.”
Sen. Ben Ray Luján also called for removing Chávez’s name from public honors.
“The allegations against Cesar Chavez are horrific. Abuse of any kind, especially against children, is indefensible and a betrayal of the values that Latino leaders have championed for generations. There is no excuse. The fight for civil rights, fair wages, and dignity has always been carried forward by millions of Latino workers, organizers, and families. Those are the values that we must uphold and fight for every single day. His name should be removed from landmarks, institutions, and honors. We cannot celebrate someone who carried out such disturbing harm.,” Lujan said.
He added, “My prayers are with the victims who have gone unheard for far too long. They deserve justice, accountability, and to finally be heard.”
In a social media post on X, El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said, “The credible allegations against Cesar Chavez for rape and sexual abuse are horrific. My heart is with the survivors who, for decades, have seen their abuser lauded as a hero. As one of them says: “The movement — that’s the hero.” We will continue to uplift farmworkers and their families, and celebrate their fight for justice and fairness. Chavez’s name should be removed from all our public landmarks and buildings, and I am eager to work with the community on next steps.”
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