In February, Santiago Rafael Cruz joined the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) office in Monterrey México. His job involved helping H2A "guest workers" going to work in the fields of North Carolina and other locations. He investigated and helped resolve grievances concerning abuses in the recruiting systems and employment conditions. Cruz was staying in an upstairs room of the office while looking for permanent housing.

On Monday, April 9, Cruz was found tied up and beaten to death in the FLOC office. Testimony by witnesses who found the body, indicate that he was tortured by more than one individual in the early hours of the morning. There were no signs of robbery.

Since opening the office in Monterrey, there has been constant harassment. The office has been broken into several times when files and equipment were destroyed. FLOC staff has been threatened with deportation by Mexican authorities. Their operations have been attacked in the local media for "destabilizing" Mexican businesses (labor recruiters).

The United Farm Workers urges our supporters to respond to FLOC's plea to ensure a prompt and thorough investigation of the murder of Santiago Rafael Cruz, one of FLOC’s staff members in Monterrey, Mexico.

Call the Portland Mexican Consulate (503-274-1442) and demand

* A formal, timely, honest and thorough criminal investigation

* A just prosecution and punishment for the perpetrators of this crime

* Measures to ensure that FLOC and human and labor rights defenders are not subject to political and economically-motivated intimidation

* Restitution for Santiago's family

Also, take action and send an email here: http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/floc?rk=xp1DHi51J4T_W