San Antonio Abuela Awakened by State Raid is Now Honored by LULAC With Rally
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is set to host a get-out-the-vote rally this Sunday in San Antonio, Texas, in honor of Lidia Martinez, an election volunteer, whose home was subject to a distressing raid by state authorities hunting for evidence of alleged voter fraud. The raid awakened 87-year-old Martinez in the early morning of August 20, forcing her to stand outside her residence for three hours in her nightgown while officials conducted a search.
“Power of Pajamas” Mobilization
LULAC and other Latino civil rights organizations have been organizing various rallies following the controversial raids orchestrated by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, primarily targeting Latino election activists. For Sunday’s rally, happening at 10 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, participants are encouraged to demonstrate the “Power of Pajamas,” by sporting their PJs, a symbol of courage and unity after Lidia’s ordeal, which saw her standing in her nightgown as her home was searched.
A Disturbing Predawn Raid
According to LULAC, up to eight armed officers descended on Martinez’s home at 6 a.m. The search warrant, approved by Attorney General Paxton, was part of an investigation into allegations that organizations were illegally registering noncitizens to vote. Martinez, who has been a LULAC member for 35 years, is known for assisting older San Antonio residents in voter registration and voting processes.
LULAC reported in a news release that despite Martinez’s full cooperation with the authorities, she was subject to an extensive interrogation lasting over three hours. She was also forced to endure the humiliation of standing outside her home in her nightgown in front of neighbors while her home was searched, and personal belongings seized.
Call for Action and Empowerment
Although Martinez currently faces no charges, LULAC stated that the intrusion has deeply traumatized her and her family. “This campaign is a call to action for all women to stand united, turning what, in Lidia’s case, symbolized vulnerability into a powerful act of empowerment,” asserted LULAC in a news release.
LULAC has now called for a federal investigation into the raids, describing them as distressing in a letter to the U.S. Justice Department on Monday. The group aims to bring attention to what they see as a targeted violation of Latino civil rights, urging residents to vote and not be intimidated by such actions.
Ongoing Commitment to Civil Rights
LULAC’s rally is a testament to its ongoing commitment to protecting civil rights, especially concerning voting rights for minority communities. The organization has been vocal in condemning the state raids and has committed to standing with those affected like Lidia Martinez, turning their traumatic experiences into powerful vehicles for change.