LULAC Urges Biden Administration Transparency

Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Calls for Media Access to Detention Facilities and Border

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement Thursday after news reports that journalists are being subjected to an “unofficial gag order” according to present and former Customs and Border Protection officials. Several major media outlets report being denied “ride alongs” with agents at the southern border and no information is being allowed to be shared with the media unless approved by the press office in Washington. Also, media access is being restricted at border processing points and no photos are being allowed to show the conditions inside the border facilities.

Domingo Garcia - LULAC National President
"We saw under the Trump Administration a media and community blackout of information concerning conditions in detention centers and children’s camps. We urge the Biden administration to be transparent and allow community and media inspections on all centers and border patrol offices."

Sindy Benavides - LULAC Chief Executive Officer
“It is an unfortunate situation that was created by the Trump administration. We are aware the Department of Homeland Security is working to process as many asylum seekers as possible, and in so doing, difficult conditions have surged. We are in hopes that the Biden Administration treats every individual with dignity and respect.”

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/