LULAC Council 4568 Open Letter, Concerning National LULAC Convention

From Alberto Govea Council 4568 president

Tarrant County LULAC Council 4568 has identified a series of ongoing issues that continue to negatively impact on the residents of our county. These concerns, while not exhaustive, have contributed to our decision not to directly participate in the planning or logistical efforts for the 2026 LULAC National Convention scheduled to take place in Fort Worth.

This decision is not a boycott of the convention. We recognize the significant economic benefits that large events bring to the host city and county. However, at this moment, we believe that active participation would conflict with our core mission: to stand firmly against injustice and to advocate for the well-being of our community. Given the substantial revenue the convention will generate for the local tax base, participation would feel akin to supporting systems and structures that are currently harming the very people we are committed to serve. In good conscience, we cannot contribute to efforts that may ultimately strengthen institutions working against the interests of our community.

With the challenges facing our country, our state, and especially Tarrant County, we are compelled to take a principled stand. Our responsibility is — and must remain — to uplift, protect, and advocate for our community above all else.

Below see issues that have led to our decision.

In 2025, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, led by Tim O’Hare, approved new gerrymandered maps that disenfranchised hundreds—if not thousands—of voters, primarily from minority communities. Many observers saw this as part of a broader strategy used across Texas, which O’Hare chose to replicate in Tarrant County. In 2024, Tarrant County ended its contract with Youth Advocate Programs—a long-standing support system for youth offenders—citing concerns about language on the organization’s website and accusing them of using county funds for lobbying. Critics argue that this decision contributed to Tarrant County now sending the highest number of youths to state youth prisons. They also discontinued funding for Girls Inc. a program for low income and disadvantaged young ladies. Similar reasoning to the Youth Program was used to revoke their funding as well.

Tarrant County Jail

There have been over 60 deaths under Weybourn as Sheriff 

-Weybourn is Funded by White Nationalists (True Texas Project and Defend Texas Liberty) both organizations have peddled racist conspiracies like the Great Replacement Theory. Despite making the Southern Poverty Law Center List of Anti-Government Groups for three straight years

His recent announcement of new state funds through the 287(g) program marks another step toward intensified immigration enforcement. We are fully aware that it only applies to reporting to ICE once they are detained. However, there have been many reported cases where arrested people may not be guilty,

but once in detention that has ICE agreement will lead to transfer to immigration facilities. 

More recently, attorney Brian Willett—who had represented youth in court for years—was removed from the county’s approved appointment list by Judge Christopher Taylor. The justification given was “personal issues,” but many in the juvenile justice community say the decision lacked due process and appeared political. Willett had just filed to run against Judge Kim, a local Republican. The Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association stated that Willett’s removal occurred without warning, without due process, and undermines fairness and integrity in county government.

In summary                                                                                                                                     

- 2025 redistricting: Tarrant County Commissioners Court, led by Tim O’Hare, adopted maps that critics say disenfranchised large numbers of minority voters.

- Youth services cut: In 2024, the county ended its contract with Youth Advocate Programs, a move many believe contributed to more local youth being sent to state youth prisons.

In Addition 

Critics note that more than 60 people have died in the Tarrant County Jail during Sheriff Bill Waybourn’s tenure. They also point out that Waybourn has received support from groups such as True Texas Project and Defend Texas Liberty—organizations associated with white nationalist rhetoric, including promotion of the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, and both listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center as anti‑government groups for three consecutive years. His recent announcement of new state funding tied to the 287(g) program signals an expansion of immigration enforcement efforts in the county.

- Attorney removal controversy: Long-time juvenile attorney Brian Willett was removed from the county’s approved list shortly after filing to run against Judge Kim. Legal groups say the removal lacked due process and appeared politically motivated. Which is an easy theory to believe given what appears to be a MAGA led leadership in Tarrant County.

To be clear our council’s stand here in no way is meant to disparage the League of United American Citizens that I first joined in 1979. Council 4568 and our members join the good people of Fort Worth in welcoming visiting LULAC members from around the state and nation to Fort Worth.