Contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa, (202) 833-6130; Adrian Rodriguez, 972-517-5275

For Immediate Release: February 1, 2002

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today
demands that justice be served on behalf of at least 39 people, mostly Mexican nationals, who were wrongfully convicted of charges involving cocaine. Many of the cases have already resulted in deportation against the defendants, who have now been proven innocent due to fake evidence used against them by the Dallas Police Department.

"This is absolutely intolerable," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President. "This is one of the worst cases of racial profiling I have ever seen."

LULAC has written a letter to the Department of Justice, asking that they thoroughly investigate the practices and anti-narcotic policies of the Dallas Police Department. The two officers involved, Senior Cpl. Mark Delapaz and Officer Eddie Herrera, have been on administrative leave since January 15, 2002, after it was discovered that the cocaine in evidence was mostly finely ground gypsum, a main ingredient of Sheetrock. The FBI is investigating the cases to determine criminal activity, including civil rights violations.

"These officers have altered the lives of many people and their families and they should pay for their own crimes," added Dovalina. "Strong disciplinary action should be taken if any criminal activity or civil rights violations are found by the police department. It is obvious the actions of this narcotic squad victimized poor Hispanic immigrants with limited English skills, many without the benefit of proper legal counsel."

North Texas LULAC, including District III Director Adrian Rodriguez, is actively involved in the case and is in contact with the FBI officials in charge of the investigation. "It is apparent this is a travesty of justice in the annals of law enforcement," he said.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.