Potential Shutdown, Lowrider Takeover, Pachuco Icon
Welcome to the Daily Chela Newsletter. The #1 newsletter for Mexican American voices, news, and culture in the country.
What’s New This Morning?
Immigration: Gov shutdown?
Culture: Emerging Artists
Chicano: Lowrider Show
More: Stories, Podcasts, Links
ICE Fatality Triggers Shutdown Threat🚨
Senate Democrats are threatening to block a major government funding package in response to the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal immigration agents, significantly raising the odds of a partial government shutdown. The incident, which involved a man killed during an operation by a U.S. Border Patrol agent, has intensified criticism of DHS and ICE.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will withhold their support for the DHS portion of the appropriations bill unless significant reforms are included, arguing that current language doesn’t do enough to rein in alleged abuses by ICE and other enforcement units.
JOIN TODAY & Get 10% Off A Daily Chela Insider Subscription For A Year!
Subscribers Get Exclusive News, Videos & Stories:
Our mission is to provide a platform for Mexican Americans, and cover news with the depth and context it deserves.
Here’s how you can help:
Make a Small Monthly Contribution: Your financial support will help us cover operational costs, pay our dedicated team, and expand our reach to more readers.
How To Support:
To subscribe, click on the button below. Thank you for your support and for believing in the power of independent media. Together, we can make sure that every voice is heard and every story is told.
Nominees Announced for Premios Tejano Mundial
The Top 5 nominees for the 6th Annual Premios Tejano Mundial have been announced, with Asalto, Jai Sterling, and Ricardo Castillon of La Diferenzia each earning five nominations, highlighting both established stars and rising artists in Tejano music’s most competitive year yet.
The awards show is set for February 5, 2026, at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium, and will feature live performances, tributes, and fan-voted as well as industry-selected categories across a wide range of musical accomplishments.
Lowriders Take Over Long Beach
The annual Long Beach Lowrider Super Show rolled into downtown Long Beach last weekend, drawing hundreds of people to celebrate lowrider culture, custom cars, music and community around the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.
Enthusiasts showcased an array of meticulously restored and customized vehicles, complete with vibrant paint jobs, chrome detailing, and expressive hydraulics, while attendees enjoyed the lively atmosphere and cultural camaraderie that define the region’s iconic automotive tradition.
PBS Premieres Doc On Chicano Icon Luis Valdez
American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez recently premiered as part of PBS’s American Masters, spotlighting the life and groundbreaking legacy of Luis Valdez, the influential playwright, director, and founder of El Teatro Campesino.
The documentary traced Valdez’s journey from creating political theater alongside the United Farm Workers in the 1960s to redefining American theater with Zoot Suit and bringing Chicano stories to a wider audience through films like La Bamba.
Trinidad Silva: The Actor Who Stole Every Scene He Entered
Trinidad Silva Jr. was born on January 30, 1950, and raised in a Mexican-American family in Mission, Texas. His path to acting wasn’t glamorous. He worked his way up through small roles, often portraying streetwise characters that reflected the realities of urban America during that era.
His background gave him a natural edge on screen. Silva didn’t just act tough, he felt real. This genuine quality is why directors consistently sought him out. He built his career as a character actor, building an impressive resume across both television and film.
How Chico and the Man Broke Barriers
The 1970s was a decade of profound social and cultural shifts. The Civil Rights Movement had opened up national conversations about race and equality, and various communities were finding their voices. Yet, primetime television was slow to catch up. Most shows featured homogenous casts and settings that didn’t reflect the country’s growing diversity. Then came along “Chico and the Man.”
The premise was simple: a young, optimistic Chicano man, Chico Rodriguez, gets a job at a run-down garage in East Los Angeles owned by a cynical, bigoted widower, Ed Brown. Ed, “The Man,” was known for his grumpy demeanor and his distrust of just about everyone, especially minorities.
Grab American Homeboy On Blu-Ray & DVD
We’re excited to announce a new limited edition release of American Homeboy on Blu-Ray and DVD. As a Daily Chela reader, we’re giving you an exclusive subscriber discount to grab your copy. Save 10% on your entire order! Enter subscriber code: HOMEBOYGIFT
More Stories 📌
Highlighting more news stories across the country.
Want To Advertise In Our Newsletter?
Promote your business in our weekly newsletter and connect with a highly engaged audience. With affordable rates and widespread reach, this is the perfect chance to showcase your products or services to potential customers waiting to discover you. Spots fill up fast—don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to grow your brand!