LUPE responds to mayor's post on McAllen protests

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McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — La Union Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) responded to a statement issued by McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos Monday morning in response to the migrant rights protests taking place across the Valley.

On Saturday, hundreds of protesters filled South 10th Street in McAllen to “speak for those who can’t,” according to signage at the event.

Many attendees were seen waving the Mexican flag. Some held signs that read “Stop Mass Deportation” and “Immigrants pay more taxes than Trump!"

Gilberto Valdez, organizer of the McAllen protest, said the event was for all the gente Latina and those who gave U.S. born citizens a chance at a better life.

Hundreds of protesters fill the streets of McAllen in support of migrant rights

On Monday morning, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos took to social media to express his views on the McAllen protest and its outcome.

Villalobos began by stating how the City of McAllen is in "the best financial position ever."

  • (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)
  • (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)
  • (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)
  • (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)
  • (Photo by: Rolando Avila/ValleyCentral)

He also touched on immigration in his statement, reiterating that the city will enforce the law, hold undocumented individuals if they have a detainer or warrant and will continue to make the city safe.

"The city does not stand in the way of immigration officials in their official duties. It’s laughable to say that McAllen is a sanctuary city," Villalobos said.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos attaches a photo in his statement. (photo above)

Villalobos continued his statement:

"Instead of protesting and annoying drivers, instead of spewing rhetorical hate towards immigrants, illegal, or not, come together as a country and demand that our immigration system be fixed, that our borders be secured, and our national security be strong."

The mayor ended his post by stating that his political affiliation does not affect his ability to serve. He also attached a photo of himself wearing City of McAllen attire to the post.

"At the end, call me Republican, RINO, Democrat in disguise, or whatever you wanna call me, but I will continue to serve our great city to the best of my ability without regard to political affiliation, and always with McAllen’s best interest at heart," Villalobos stated.

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LUPE promptly responded to the mayor's public statement, condemning him for "belittling and shaming McAllen residents" who exercised their First Amendment rights.

LUPE said Saturday's protest was a "powerful demonstration of solidarity."

The non-profit believes attendees came out and spoke up for those who are being affected by the new administration’s mass deportation efforts.

"For the mayor to dismiss their concerns as silly and 'annoying' reveals a profound ignorance of the real struggles and concerns happening in his own backyard," LUPE wrote in a statement. "He has a responsibility to listen to the voices of his constituents and acknowledge their right to peacefully express their views."

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