El Paso Rep. Boyar Trejo faces recall petition after vote on Meta data center incentives

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Northeast El Paso representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo is facing a recall petition from some El Pasoans over her recent vote on the Meta data center.

The petition against the District 4 representative, who is over one year into her term, was filed on Wednesday and comes after the El Paso City Council voted 5-3 earlier this month to keep the city’s incentive agreement with Meta for a massive data center.

The vote was made at the city council’s meeting on June 9, where nearly 200 public comments were made over whether to begin renegotiations and terminate the city’s incentive agreement with Meta and Wurldwide, LLC. Boyar Trejo voted against terminating the city’s agreement with Meta, which was approved in late 2023, citing concerns that the city could face major legal damages.

Additionally, all City Council members except Josh Acevedo, Lily Limon, and Chris Canales voted against ending the agreement with Meta.

According to the petition obtained by KFOX14/CBS4, the reason for the recall was due to Boyar Trejo’s vote on June 9 regarding the Meta data center incentive agreement.

“Representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo’s vote on June 9, 2026 against a path to renegotiate a tax incentive agreement with Meta Platforms, Inc. and Wurldwide LLC, despite documented risks to regional water supply, air quality, and infrastructure that had been entered into the public record, demonstrates her support for large corporations’ over citizens’ interests,” the petition states.

In a statement to KFOX14/CBS4, a city spokesperson confirmed the recall petition was filed, stating, “The Office of the City Clerk received a Notice of Intent to Circulate a Recall Petition for District 4 Representative Cynthia Boyar Trejo on June 17, 2026. At this stage, the City can confirm only that the notice of intent has been filed.”

According to the City of El Paso ordinance, organizers of the petition have 60 days from filing the notice to collect and submit signatures.

In a written statement to KFOX14/CBS4 regarding the petition, Boyar Trejo said that while she welcomes civic engagement, she is defending her vote on the incentive agreement, citing legal and financial repercussions.

“I respect the rights of residents to express their views, including through the petition process. Public service requires accountability, and I welcome civic engagement, even when there are disagreements. During this Council meeting, we heard passionate testimony from many residents who urged Council to break the agreement, some stating it should be done “at any cost.” While I respect those concerns, as elected officials, we have a responsibility to consider the impact of our decisions on the entire community,” Boyar Trejo said.

She added:

Terminating a legally binding agreement could expose the City to significant legal and financial consequences that would ultimately be borne by taxpayers. City legal counsel advised Council that the City could face direct damages ranging from approximately $370 million to $760 million, with potential liabilities exceeding $1 billion. A judgment of that magnitude would have devastating consequences for our community.” Breaking the agreement at any cost was not a risk I was willing to take on behalf of our residents, especially families on fixed or limited incomes. My vote was not a vote against accountability. In fact, I stated publicly that Meta should be held accountable, but we must do so legally, responsibly, and collaboratively.I understand that not everyone agrees with my decision, and I respect those differences of opinion. The decisions I make from the dais are never taken lightly. I carefully consider the facts, the potential consequences, and the impact on all residents before casting my vote. I remain committed to listening, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and pursuing solutions that are responsible, transparent, and in the best interest of our residents and the city of El Paso.

Boyar Trejo’s term is slated to end in January 2029. According to the City’s ordinance, the petition must be signed by at least 20 % of registered voters who voted in the election when Boyar Trejo was elected.

According to the City Charter, if that happens and Boyar Trejo doesn’t resign, a recall election can then be held.

READ THE NOTICE OF INTENT OF RECALL PETITION:

Meanwhile, since the City Council’s vote, a roundtable discussion was held on Wednesday involving El Paso city officials, including Boyar Trejo, Meta officials, and critics. Residents who participated said they were looking for answers about the data center’s noise pollution and other potential complaints from residents.

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson addressed the controversy during the discussion, saying, “The Meta Data Center has become one of the most discussed and controversial issues in our community, and it has raised important questions about water, energy, economic development, transparency, and the future of El Paso. That is why today’s conversation is so important, that we’re getting together for the first time.”

According to Boyar Trejo, she initiated the roundtable discussions to “find a solution.”

“From the beginning, my goal has been about community engagement and finding a solution that brings all voices to the table. That is why this week, I initiated a series of roundtable discussions that will include representatives from Meta, the Mayor, utility providers, residents who oppose the project, residents who live close to the data center, as well as residents who support the project, and other community stakeholders.

Since the city’s agreement with Meta, many residents have expressed concerns over water, electricity and the long-term impact of data centers in the region.

Jonathan Zayan, an El Paso resident, urged people to consider environmental impacts at the city council meeting earlier this month, saying, “If you are against this, I would say, look at the bigger picture. You know, with Meta being here, it’s not a simple fact of saying, oh, hey, I have a job. No, it’s about saying, how is our environment going to exist?”

Zayan also said, “If anyone’s afraid of jobs, just know when we take care of our environment in our city, we’re going to have even more opportunities.”

Another resident, Marco Sanchez, warned about the risks of water shortages, saying, “But no city has ever been destroyed for going bankrupt. Cities have been destroyed for running out of water.”

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