On September 10th, 2020, amidst a global pandemic that's left thousands of people in peril, Gracy Espinoza's family has had to deal with her loss at the hands of a man that is still free. Gracy has not been given justice at home, and like many people that deal with gender and sexual violence, local authorities and politicians are slow to act--if they act at all. We have created this petition to pressure our local governance--from our Mayor Pete Saenz, to the members of our City Council, down to so-called "for the people" senators and representatives that vie for our vote every few years only to forget us--to step out of their ivory towers and use the political, social, and cultural power granted to them to bring justice to Gracy Espinoza and all the other women and femmes before her that have been the silent victims of femicide. 

Our list of demands is as follows:

1. Solve Gracy's case regardless of who the perpetrator is. The patron system in Laredo is still strong, especially within law enforcement agencies. Her family and our community demands justice for Gracy and all other victims of femicide in our city.
2. Defund the police. City Council recently voted to keep the general budget "as is," with the police budget set to increase by $1.6 million in 2021 while other general fund department budgets are collectively decreasing by over $2 million. Cut the excessive funding LPD receives to fund other services, programs, and organization.
3. Fund other organizations and programs, particularly mental health and housing programs. Laredo suffers from a scarcity and inaccessibility of mental health services that needs to be addressed if we are to work against intergenerational trauma.
4. Create a specialized department (unrelated to law enforcement) that deals with domestic violence, anti-LGBTQ hate crimes, sexual assault, femicide, and other forms of gendered and sexual violence. Many migrant and undocumented workers fear reaching out to the police because of their collaboration with ICE/BP. We must ensure their safety as well as the safety of the community in their most vulnerable moments.
5. Provide financial and legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence and hate crimes. Make these services accessible and comprehensive to all Laredo residents.
6. Provide free and/or subsidized childcare to parents regardless of citizenship status. Most working-class people juggle between one to two jobs, transportation and food insecurity, and unstable housing/living conditions. Free and subsidized childcare will alleviate some of these struggles and allow parents to provide for their children.