In Face of Rising White Nationalism, Congressman Castro’s Guest for 2024 State of the Union to Spotlight the Deadly Impact of Anti-Latino Hate
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) announced that his guest for President Joe Biden’s 2024 State of the Union will be Priscilla Martinez of Forney, Texas. Mrs. Martinez is the widow of Aaron Martinez, a rancher who was murdered in May 2023 by a neighbor who had previously harassed the Martinez family and told them that Latinos were not welcome in their growing North Texas community.
“Last year, Aaron Martinez was murdered in cold blood by a man who was trying to drive Hispanic families out of North Texas. Aaron’s death was the result of years of irresponsible rhetoric by Governor Abbott, Donald Trump, and other politicians who have used their elevated platforms to demonize immigrants, push racist conspiracy theories about Latinos, and incite right-wing violence. As a direct result of their rhetoric, the United States is facing a once-in-a-generation anti-immigrant backlash that is dangerous for Latino families and dangerous for our country,” said Congressman Castro. “I’m honored to invite Priscilla Martinez to the State of the Union Address, and I hope her story will serve as a reminder of our bipartisan obligation to speak out against white supremacy, xenophobia, and all forms of hate.”
To read more about the murder of Aaron Martinez and his family’s fight for justice, click here.
PRESS AVAILABILITY: On Friday at 2:00 PM Central, Congressman Castro and Priscilla Martinez will hold a virtual press conference to discuss the consequences of rising white supremacy and the Martinez family’s ongoing fight for justice and accountability. To RSVP for the press conference, click here.
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