For Immediate Release: February 19, 2026
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation and Charlotte Latine Organizations Unite to Protect Families Amid Federal Crackdown on Immigrant Communities
Charlotte, NC – As immigration enforcement activity continues to affect our communities, this press conference announced the formation of the Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte (LJAC), a coalition created to support impacted residents, improve access to important information, share essential resources, and advance long-term equity and justice for Latines in Charlotte. In the face of policies designed to criminalize and dehumanize immigrant families, this alliance represents a coordinated, powerful response. By working together, the alliance will ensure that Latine voices are heard and that the essential contributions of Latines to Charlotte’s social and economic fabric are recognized and valued.
LJAC has a list of advocacy priorities that can be seen here.
“LJAC, in partnership with Hispanic Federation, strongly condemns the actions of ICE and CBP, which have deeply harmed our communities,” said Lariza Garzón, Director for NC and Midsouth Operations. “The Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte was created to ensure that families have trusted organizations they can turn to, clear information they can rely on, and a united network working to protect their rights and safety. Whether enforcement activity increases or decreases, our commitment does not change.”
“It’s important for the community to know that our organizations are working closely together to fill gaps in services, ensuring a better quality of life for Latine families,” said Juliana Lozano, Founder and Executive Director of Despierta. “At the same time, we are advocating for their rights, dignity, and the recognition of the social, economic, and cultural value they bring to our city.”
“Our communities are strongest when Latine-led organizations are at the front of the movement – leading with cultural knowledge, lived experience, and trust,” said Tere González García, Executive Director of Circle de Luz. “By uniting specialized expertise, our alliance ensures our community can access the culturally competent support it deserves, not only to survive, but to thrive.”
The coalition will continue monitoring ICE and CBP activity, sharing timely information, and providing legal support, essential resources, mental health guidance, and wraparound services to affected families.
The Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte invites community members, organizations, and local leaders to join efforts to defend immigrant rights and protect all Charlotte families. For more information, visit this website.
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
About the Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte
The Latine Justice Alliance of Charlotte is a coalition of Latine-led organizations working together to improve the lives of Latines in Charlotte. We unite our voices to work in solidarity, coordinate actions, promote public policies, secure resources, and create a safer and more inclusive environment for all Latines in Charlotte
We envision a Charlotte that celebrates the diversity of the Latine community, where collaboration, the defense of rights, and unity, contribute to building a more just and inclusive city, in which Latines are leaders, advocates, and agents of change in their community.
