Zoot Suits, ICE Agents, Pendleton Flannels- The News You Need
Welcome to the Daily Chela Newsletter. The #1 newsletter for Mexican American voices, news, and culture in the country.
What’s New This Morning?
This week’s newsletter is packed with stories to keep you informed and inspired.
History: Zoot Suit
Immigration: Chicago
Fashion: Pendelton
More: Stories, Podcasts, Links
Celebrating “Zoot Suit” By Luis Valdez ✊🏽
Directed by Luis Valdez, “Zoot Suit” tells the story of Henry Reyna, who along with his pachuco friends, is wrongfully accused of a murder in 1940’s Los Angeles while being guided and taunted by the surrealist figure, El Pachuco (played perfectly by another Chicano pioneer, Edward James Olmos).
The movie is loosely based on the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial, in which a group of seventeen young Mexican men were detained and arrested for being “suspects” in the death of José Gallardo Díaz, who was found unconscious in Sleepy Lagoon in Commerce, California.
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Ice Agent Injured, Suspect Killed In Chicago Immigration Arrest 🚨
A deadly confrontation unfolded in Franklin Park, Illinois, during an ICE operation targeting undocumented immigrants. The suspect, identified as Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, allegedly resisted arrest and dragged an ICE agent with his vehicle, prompting the officer to open fire. Villegas-Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the hospital, while the injured agent remains in stable condition.
The incident has sparked outrage among immigrant advocacy groups, who accuse ICE of racial profiling and excessive force. The operation occurred amid the Trump administration's "Operation Midway Blitz," a controversial immigration crackdown in Chicago that has heightened tensions between federal authorities and local communities.
Tribal And Pendleton Collaborate To Celebrate Chicano Culture 😤
In a partnership that bridges decades of cultural influence and craftsmanship, Pendleton has teamed up with Bobby Ruiz, founder of Tribal Streetwear and a prominent figure in Southern California’s Chicano and lowrider communities.
The collaboration, which has been described as “decades in the making,” merges Pendleton’s iconic woolen designs with Ruiz’s deep-rooted connection to street culture, creating a collection that honors both heritage and modern style.
Harris Criticizes Biden's Re-Election Bid In New Memoir 📖
In her forthcoming memoir, "107 Days," former Vice President Kamala Harris calls Joe Biden's decision to seek a second term "reckless." Harris reflects on her time in the White House, alleging that she was sidelined and denied credit for her achievements, particularly in addressing migration issues.
Harris also criticizes the lack of support from Biden's communications team during her tenure and describes moments of frustration with the administration's handling of her role. The memoir, set to be released later this month, is expected to reignite debates about the dynamics within the Biden-Harris administration.
Poll: Americans Divided On Political Violence After Kirk Shooting 🤔
A new YouGov poll reveals that 87% of Americans view political violence as a significant problem, with 59% calling it a "very big problem." The survey, conducted after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, highlights generational and partisan divides. Older Americans and Republicans are more likely to express concern, while younger and liberal respondents are more likely to justify political violence in certain scenarios.
The poll also shows a stark divide in perceptions of left-wing versus right-wing violence, with liberals overwhelmingly citing right-wing violence as the bigger issue and conservatives taking the opposite stance. The findings underscore the deep polarization in the U.S. and the challenges of addressing political violence in a divided nation.
House GOP Leaders Unveil Plan To Avoid Shutdown
House Republican leaders have introduced a short-term funding bill to keep the government operational until November 21, aiming to avert a shutdown as the September 30 deadline looms.
The proposed legislation includes $30 million for lawmakers' security following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as $58 million for executive and judicial branch security. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the bill as a "clean continuing resolution" that maintains current funding levels while allowing time to finalize remaining appropriations.
Defiant History: Now Streaming On The Daily Chela YouTube Channel! 🍿
Defiant History is a compelling new micro‑documentary series created by filmmaker Brandon Loran Maxwell, best known for his work on American Homeboy. The series is now available to watch on the Daily Chela YouTube channel.
More Stories 📌
Highlighting more news stories across the country.
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