Salinas Police Procedures and Killings Challenged by Citizens of Salinas

MAY 27, 2014 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The recent police killings of Latino civilians in Salinas, California have raised serious questions, questions that deal with race, police conduct and the attempt to deny protestors of their civil right to express their concerns protected by Freedom of Speech rights.

Three serious issues of concern:

1. Racial profiling by Police Departments and U.S Border Patrol. The issue of racial profiling has surfaced in cities throughout the country in states like New York, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

2. Police use of deadly force denies citizens of civil and human rights. Use of deadly force by law enforcement is out of control across the country.

3. During the Salinas protest on Sunday, May 25th, protesters who had gathered to march were told to remove a variety of signs expressing their beliefs. This is a direct violation of the First Amendment which guarantees Freedom of Speech.

The organizers of the march took it upon themselves to determine what signs could be visible; not allowing the demonstrators to use their own judgment as to what properly pertained to the issues.

This condescending action involved local politicians whose campaigns are supported by the local growers. The politicians were present at a press conference where the Chief of Police defended the killing, but did not question any of the statements that were being made.

The population of Salinas is made up of predominately Latino worker, low wage, farm workers many of who are undocumented, but vitally necessary to California’s Agribusiness Industry.