Young member steps up fast

Kimberly Trujillo joined LUPE just two months ago. The 24-year-old from Brownsville is already leading at the group's major convention.

Immigration drives new members

Trujillo was inspired by LUPE's work helping people know their rights during harsh immigration enforcement. Members voted it their top priority.

“Seeing a campaign so dedicated to letting people know what their rights are, especially now amongst really harsh immigration enforcement, was important to me.”

Participation nearly doubles

LUPE's biennial convention grew from 99 people in 2024 to 197 in 2026. Most growth came from members under 45.

Know Your Rights campaign launched

LUPE started Valle Fuerte, Valle Libre in December, distributing kits with information about rights when encountering ICE officers.

Young people lead the shift

Members under 45 now make up 35% of convention participants, the largest share. Executive director Tania Chavez Camacho says it's been surprising.

“We've actually seen a change. We've seen a lot of young people … and that has been surprising for us.”

Growth forces venue change

The surge in participation forced LUPE to move its convention from its San Juan headquarters to a larger center in Pharr.

Founder's dark past revealed

The New York Times reported in March that Cesar Chavez, LUPE's co-founder, sexually assaulted several girls and women, including co-founder Dolores Huerta.

Organization responds to allegations

LUPE covered up a mural of Chavez and skipped Cesar Chavez Day activities. Leaders say their mission to keep the community safe remains central.

Members focus on current work

Young LUPE members remain committed to issues impacting them now. They're leading advocacy and community organizing despite the painful revelations.

Giving people practical action

As ICE enforcement increased last fall, LUPE launched Valle Fuerte to channel members' anger into something practical.

“We wanted to give people something practical to do because there was so much anger.”

Eight priorities beyond immigration

Members ranked economy second, then health, civic participation, infrastructure, LGBTQ issues, youth education, and unity and solidarity.

Immigration team sets goals

Trujillo's delegation wants transparency with officials, to elect supportive leaders, and spread awareness of constitutional rights.

“Our drive for this is that we think no one is free until we are all free, and so that really drove a lot of the components of our resolution.”

Fear won't stop organizing

Members ask if ICE could show up at events. LUPE can't guarantee they won't, but people decide fighting is all they have left.

“Ultimately, people have to make that personal decision of, 'Well, I'm already living in so much fear, what else do I have left than to fight?”