A list of Latino Congressmen who won’t be attending Trump’s inauguration, and why

By Victor Landa, NewsTaco (3.5 minute read)

At last count there are twelve Latino U.S. Congressmen who will not be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday.

That number may change. When I counted the announced no-shows last night – more than 50 overall – there were only 8 Latinos in the bunch. That number grew overnight. Here’s the list:

• Rep. Luis Gutierrez – IL
  • “We all heard the tape when Donald Trump was bragging – bragging! – about grabbing women by their private parts without their consent. It is something I can never un-hear.”
• Rep. Nydia Velasquez – NY
  • “I will not be attending inauguration of @realDonaldTrump but WILL participate in the @womensmarch on January 21st.”
• Rep. Raul Grijalva – AZ
  • My absence is not motivated by disrespect for the office, or motivated by disrespect for the government that we have in this great democracy, but as an individual act – yes, of defiance – at the disrespect shown to millions and millions of Americans by this incoming administration.”
• Rep. Jose Serrano – NY
  • “I will not attend the #inauguration2017 next week- cannot celebrate the inauguration of a man who has no regard for my constituents. #Bronx.”
• Rep. Adriano Epaillat – NY
  • “Many have given their lives and dedicated their lives to working to fulfill Dr. King’s dream and make it a reality, and it is up to us to preserve his legacy and the legacy of President Barack Obama to ensure that we do not go back in time! President-elect Donald Trump is trying to take us back! And the people Trump is appointing– Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions — are trying to take us back! “That’s why I am not attending the presidential inauguration. Donald Trump and the hate-filled rhetoric that plagued his election simply will continue in his administration. THIS is not Dr. King’s Dream!”
• Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard – CA
  • ” the disparaging remarks the President-elect has made about many groups, including women, Mexicans, and Muslims, are deeply contrary to my values. As a result, I will not be attending the Inauguration.”
• Rep. Darren Soto – FL
  • “I am deeply disappointed with Trump’s attacks against civil rights hero John Lewis and will not be attending the inauguration as a result.”
• Rep. Raul Ruiz – CA
  • “A real president doesn’t attack the press because they ask tough questions. A real president doesn’t insult and bully celebrities or everyday Americans because they disagree with him. A real president doesn’t use the office to make millions more for his own wealth or his family’s wealth.”
• Rep. Ruben Gallego – AZ
  • “We must stand against Trump’s bigotries- birther conspiracies, attacks on Gold star parents & civil rights heroes. I won’t attend inauguration.”
• Rep. Juan Vargas – CA
  • “I will not be attending the Inauguration. Instead, I will be praying for our country and for our community with the people of my district.”
• Rep. Joaquin Castro – TX
  • “Every American should respect the office of the presidency and the fact that Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States. But winning an election does not mean a man can show contempt for millions of Americans and then expect those very people to celebrate him.”
• Rep. Tony Cardenas – CA
  • “After serious consideration, I have decided that I will not stand with Donald Trump during his ceremonial inauguration. He has been consistent in his words and actions — he has disrespected countless Americans — women, civil rights leaders, Hispanics, people with disabilities, Muslims, gold star families, African Americans, POWs and more. I feel this decision best represents my family, constituents and country.”

This is a fluid list so we’ll be updating it if it grows.