Christian Estevez, President Emeritus

Javier Robles, Executive President

Maria Andrade, Executive Vice President

Henry Peña, Secretary
Chair of the Labor and Workers’ Rights Committee

Yeimi Hernandez, Treasurer

Cory Garriga, Vice President of Public Policy
Chair of the Policy Committee

Brady D. Rivera, Vice President of Membership

Josely Castro, Vice President of Communications

Diego Mazariego, Vice President of Fundraising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30th, 2025

Latino Action Network Endorses Leaders Committed to Our Community

[Trenton, NJ] — The Latino Action Network is proud to announce its endorsements of leaders at the state and local level who are committed to advancing the organization’s mission of equity, education, economic empowerment, health, and civic engagement in New Jersey.

In the current political climate—marked by challenges to Latina/Latino representation, equitable policy, and public education—the Network is supporting candidates who share its commitment to strong, inclusive governance. In addition, the organization will continue to support candidates at the state and federal levels who align with the principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion. We ask our members, constituents, and New Jersey voters to ensure that  our state remains powerful, not because it takes away from our citizens, but because it empowers them.  The Latino Action Network offers the following slate of candidates for your consideration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:
Cory Garriga
[email protected]
(908) 346-3825
 

Budget Bill — Urges New Jersey Representatives to Block Harmful House Version 

Trenton, NJ — July 2, 2025 — The Latino Action Network (LAN), under the leadership of President Javier Robles, calls on all New Jersey members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose the House version of the recently passed Senate reconciliation bill. Known officially as Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget bill, its draconian cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, ACA subsidies, and more pose an existential threat to Latino families, people with disabilities and the broader Garden State community. 

"This is not budget reform — it is a moral crisis." 

PARA DIVULGACIÓN INMEDIATA
Contacto de Prensa:
Cory Garriga
[email protected]
(908) 346-3825

Proyecto de Ley de Presupuesto — Insta a los Representantes de Nueva Jersey a Bloquear la Versión Dañina de la Cámara
Trenton, NJ — 2 de julio de 2025 — La Latino Action Network (LAN), bajo el liderazgo de su presidente Javier Robles, hace un llamado a todos los miembros de la Cámara de Representantes de EE.UU. de Nueva Jersey para que se opongan a la versión de la Cámara del proyecto de ley de reconciliación recientemente aprobado por el Senado. Conocido oficialmente como el proyecto de presupuesto “grande y hermoso” de Trump, sus recortes draconianos a Medicaid, SNAP, subsidios del ACA y más representan una amenaza existencial para las familias latinas, las personas con discapacidades y la comunidad en general del Garden State.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Latino Representation in New Jersey State Government

As Latinos continue to shape the social, cultural, and economic landscape of New Jersey, it is imperative that our state’s governing bodies reflect the rich diversity and lived experiences of our communities. The Latino Action Network stands in firm support of increasing Latino representation in the New Jersey State Legislature—and, critically, of retaining and empowering the dedicated lawmakers who comprise the current Latino Caucus. At a time when federal policies and rhetoric too often marginalize immigrants and communities of color, our collective voice must grow stronger at the state level.

Latino Action Network President and President Emeritus Javier Robles and Christian Estevez have released the following statement following Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Sweeney’s pledge to rescind New Jersey’s sanctuary state status if elected:

We deplore Steve Sweeney’s decision to play politics with the lives of thousands of New Jersey residents and their families. Our state is the most diverse in the nation, and at a time when our communities are facing unprecedented attacks from Donald Trump and his MAGA minions, we need elected officials who still stand up for New Jersey values.

Latino Action Network Urges Passage of the Full Immigrant Trust Act to Protect Immigrant Communities and Strengthen Public Safety in New Jersey

Trenton, NJ, January 30, 2025, 

The Latino Action Network (LAN) strongly supports the passage of the Immigrant Trust Act NJ Bill numbers S3672/A4987. This landmarklegislation reaffirms New Jersey’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities while ensuring the state’s resources are used efficiently for the benefit of all residents.

The Immigrant Trust Act prohibits using state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that all New Jersey residents can access essential services—such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement—without fear of deportation, detention, or family separation. This legislation is a critical step toward fostering trust between immigrant communities and public institutions while reinforcing New Jersey’s leadership in immigrant rights. The legislature must pass the full bill to protect the Constitution and our communities.

Latino Action Network Condemns ICE Raid in Newark, Demands End to Aggressive Enforcement Tactics in New Jersey

Posted by Javier Robles · January 25, 2025 12:05 PM · 1 reaction

Latino Action Network Public Policy Agenda

The Latino Action Network (LAN) aims to advance policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity for the Latino/a/x community. This agenda focuses on key areas impacting the community:


1. Education

• Equitable Funding: Advocate for increased and equitable funding for schools in predominantly Latino communities to ensure access to quality education and resources.
• Bilingual Education: Support the expansion and preservation of bilingual education programs to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL).
• Diversity: Ensure greater racial, ethnic, and economic diversity in New Jersey public schools and programs.
• Higher Education Access: Promote policies that increase access to higher education for Latino students, including affordable tuition and targeted scholarships.
• Curriculum Diversity: Push for curriculum reforms that include Latino history, culture, and contributions to American society.

2. Immigration

• Pathway to Citizenship: Support comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.
• Protect DREAMers: Advocate for permanent protections for DACA recipients and their families.
• Family Reunification: Work to prevent family separations and ensure humane treatment of immigrants at borders and detention facilities.
• Immigrant Services: Expand access to language assistance, legal aid, and healthcare services for immigrant communities.
• Humane Policies: Advocate for humane treatment and due process for migrants and asylum seekers.
• No Local Police Takeover: Support local and state policies that prevent cooperation between immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.

3. Criminal Justice Reform

• Eliminating Disparities: Address racial and ethnic disparities in arrests, sentencing, and incarceration.
• Community Policing: Advocate for community-based policing models and training programs to prevent racial profiling and discrimination.
• Restorative Justice: Promote restorative justice practices to reduce recidivism and provide alternatives to incarceration.
• Re-entry Programs: Support programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in reintegrating into society.
• Prison Industrial Complex: Work to end private prisons and detention centers that profit from detaining Latinos.
• Disability: Ensure police and law enforcement personnel are trained to respond appropriately during counters with people with disabilities.

4. Voting Rights

• Protect Voting Access: Advocate for policies that expand access to voting, including same-day registration and extended early voting periods.
• Combat Voter Suppression: Oppose any laws or practices that disproportionately disenfranchise Latino voters.
• Civic Education: Promote civic education initiatives that empower Latino communities to participate in the electoral process.

5. Environmental Justice

• Pollution Mitigation: Address environmental hazards in Latino-majority neighborhoods and advocate for clean air and water.
• Climate Change: Support policies aimed at mitigating climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.
• Community Engagement: Ensure Latino communities are included in environmental policy discussions and decision-making processes.

6. Labor Rights

• Workplace Protections: Advocate for stronger workplace protections, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and paid sick leave.
• Union Representation: Support initiatives that empower Latino workers to join unions and collectively bargain.
• Combat Exploitation: Work to prevent wage theft and exploitation, particularly among undocumented workers.

7. Social Equity and Health

• Healthcare Access: Push for expanded healthcare coverage and culturally competent services for Latino communities.
• Social Determinants of Health: Address systemic barriers to health, including housing, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation.
• Mental Health: Promote access to mental health resources tailored to the needs of Latino populations.

8. Housing

• Affordable Housing: Advocate for policies that increase the availability of affordable housing options in Latino communities.
• Tenant Protections: Work to strengthen protections against eviction and housing discrimination.
• Homeownership Support: Promote programs that assist Latino families in achieving homeownership.

9. Economic Development

• Entrepreneurship: Support Latino-owned small businesses through grants, loans, and mentorship programs.
• Job Training: Advocate for workforce development programs that prepare Latino workers for high-demand industries.
• Economic Inclusion: Push for equitable access to banking and financial services.

10. Health and Healthcare (Including Mental Health)

• Expand access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare for all Latinos, regardless of immigration status.
• Address disparities in chronic disease outcomes and preventative care access.
• Promote mental health awareness and access to services, including reducing stigma within the Latino community.
• Advocate for Medicaid expansion and increased funding for community health clinics.

11. Disability Advocacy

• Accessibility: Ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Latino-majority areas.
• Inclusive Programs: Promote adaptive sports, education, and employment opportunities for Latinos with disabilities.
• Healthcare Access: Advocate for equitable access to healthcare and support services for Latinos with disabilities.

12. Other Key Issues

• Hate Crimes Prevention: Support legislation and initiatives to prevent hate crimes against Latinos.
• Census Accuracy: Advocate for accurate census counts to ensure adequate representation and funding for Latino communities.
• Youth Empowerment: Invest in leadership and mentorship programs that cultivate future leaders within the Latino community

Implementation Strategies

• Legislative Advocacy: Lobby for policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Community Engagement: Partner with grassroots organizations to amplify community voices.
• Public Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public and policymakers about Latino community needs.
• Research and Data: Conduct research to inform evidence-based advocacy.

The Latino Action Network is committed to creating a just society where Latino individuals and families can thrive. This policy agenda serves as a roadmap to achieving these goals. This comprehensive agenda aims to address the systemic challenges faced by Latino communities while fostering social, economic, and political empowerment.