Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke addressed the UnidosUS Annual Conference, expressing gratitude for the organization's efforts to support Latino communities. Clarke highlighted the Department of Justice's (DOJ) initiatives aimed at combating racism, hate crimes, human trafficking, and ensuring constitutional policing.
Clarke noted that Latinos constitute nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population and emphasized the DOJ's commitment to addressing issues affecting this community. "We are using every tool available to confront injustice," she stated.
She reported that since January 2021, over 120 defendants have been charged with hate crimes in more than 110 cases. This includes securing life sentences for the perpetrator of the El Paso Walmart mass shooting in 2019. "Bigotry, racism and hatred have no place in our society today," Clarke affirmed.
The DOJ has also prosecuted individuals involved in human trafficking and forced labor schemes targeting vulnerable populations from Latin America. Clarke cited recent convictions of farm labor exploiters and traffickers forcing Cuban women into commercial sex.
Efforts to ensure constitutional policing were also discussed. The DOJ recently found that the Phoenix Police Department discriminates against Latino, Black, and Native American people. For example, Hispanics are cited or arrested for traffic offenses at three times the rate of white people in Phoenix.
Economic opportunities for Latinos are another focus area. The DOJ's Combating Redlining Initiative has secured over $122 million in relief for impacted communities since its launch in 2021. This includes a $31 million settlement with City National Bank for denying mortgages to Latinx and Black communities in Los Angeles.
Clarke also addressed predatory lending practices by Colony Ridge, which targeted Latino borrowers with false statements and predatory loans. The DOJ is working to end these illegal practices and obtain restitution for victims.
Safeguarding voting rights remains a priority as well. The DOJ challenged an Arizona law requiring discriminatory proof of citizenship when registering to vote and has filed multiple statements of interest nationwide to protect voting rights.
Language barriers should not impede civil rights access, Clarke stressed. The DOJ has worked with state courts and police departments across several states to provide free interpreter services and address language barriers.
Quoting Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Clarke concluded her remarks by urging attendees to continue their advocacy: “There are no bystanders in life. Our humanity makes us each part of something greater than ourselves.”