January 12, 2024
A Call for Responsible Leadership: National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) Condemns Governor Abbott's Dangerous Rhetoric
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
As the President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, I am compelled to address the deeply troubling remarks made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott regarding the use of lethal force against migrants. His statement that “...the only thing that we’re not doing is we’re not shooting people who come across the border, because of course the Biden administration would charge us with murder,” is irresponsible and dangerously inflammatory.
Governor Abbott’s remarks represent a primitive political stance that can incite violence and perpetuate a climate of fear and hatred.
Such rhetoric does not exist in a vacuum. It echoes painfully in a nation still grappling with the horrors of the 2019 El Paso Massacre, where innocent lives were lost in a senseless act of violence fueled by hatred and xenophobia. Governor Abbott's words serve as a green light for violence against a vulnerable population and fan the flames of hostility towards immigrants, particularly Latinos.
NHMC stands firmly against any form of hate speech that dehumanizes individuals or groups based on their immigration status or ethnic background. We are extremely upset and deeply concerned about the potential consequences of such statements.
We urge Governor Abbott and all public officials to consider the weight of their words and the impact they have on the safety and well-being of all communities. Our nation needs healing and constructive dialogue, not divisive and dangerous rhetoric. NHMC remains committed to advocating for the dignity and rights of all people and will continue to raise our voices against any form of hate speech and discrimination.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President and CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
