UPDATE: March 18, 2026— 11:47 p.m.
The New York Times investigation into Cesar Chavez was released on Wednesday.
Senator Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:
“Today’s reports are shocking and disappointing about a leader that I for many years had looked up to, like so many Latinos growing up in the U.S. But as I have said many times this year—no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability, especially when it comes to abusing young women. The farmworkers’ movement has always been bigger than any one man. It belongs to the thousands of hardworking people who have spent decades on the front lines fighting for the dignity of agricultural workers. We have to keep that fight going, especially now, when our community is under constant attack. I want to recognize the incredible bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories of abuse. It takes immense strength to speak truth to power, and we owe it to them to ensure that our movement is defined by accountability and justice for everyone.”
Representative Mariana Sandoval and Senator Catherine Miranda, Co-Chairs of the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus, also issued a statement on the allegations.
"We are deeply troubled by the serious allegations of sexual misconduct brought forward by civil rights leader Dolores Huerta and others. We commend their courage in sharing their story after decades of silence, and we stand firmly with her and all survivors who have come forward. The behavior described is reprehensible and must be unequivocally condemned. There is no place in our movement, or any movement, for abuse, coercion, or the exploitation of power. We believe survivors, and we recognize the immense strength it takes to speak out. These actions are not reflective of our community’s values. The Latino community has always been rooted in dignity, respect, justice, and the protection of the most vulnerable among us. When those principles are violated, it is our responsibility to confront the truth with honesty and accountability. At the same time, we affirm that the farmworker movement and the broader fight for civil rights is far greater than any one individual. The progress achieved has been the result of collective action, sacrifice, resilience, and leadership from countless individuals, many of whom have upheld the highest standards of integrity. We remain committed to continuing this work: uplifting workers, protecting women and families, and ensuring that our communities are safe, respected, and heard. Addressing harm within our history does not weaken our lucha; it strengthens it by aligning our actions with our values. We stand with survivors. We stand for accountability. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice."
UPDATE 10:50 p.m.
A Tucson coalition has cancelled its annual Cesar Chavez Day march and rebranded its event following allegations that Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors.
The Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition announced it is cancelling its planned march and rebranding to the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair. The march had been scheduled to begin at Pueblo High School and end at Rudy Garcia Park. Instead, the coalition will hold an event at the park Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation announced that Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as president of the United Farm Workers of America.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing," the foundation said, adding that it is working to support people who may have been harmed by him.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said: "I am personally devastated and I hope that our community comes together at the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair on Saturday."
Eva Carrillo Dong, co-chair of the Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta March and Rally Coalition, said the allegations have been difficult to process.
"He's been somebody that we've been able to look up to and talk about for generations," Carrillo Dong said. "It's very heartbreaking, very emotional.”
Despite the news, Carrillo Dong said the conversation around immigration must continue.
"Yes he was our icon for the movement, but it wasn't just about him," Carrillo Dong said.
The rebranded event will still feature food trucks and folklorico performances.
"We can't wait until next year to see what's going on and what's going to happen. This is our community, our needs, and our stories," Carrillo Dong said. "They'll still be here to listen to those stories. So basically everything that was happening mostly at the park, for the most part, is still going to be happening.”
John Arnold, who advocated for immigrant rights alongside Chavez beginning in 1978, described Chavez as a man of strong character.
"He was always that kind of humble man, caring about others more than himself," Arnold said. "I told him about the social services I did and he said I'd like you to help us do the same thing.”
Arnold said the allegations caught him off guard.
"That question never entered my mind, and I don't think anybody was closer to him than I was," Arnold said.
Arnold said he believes the allegations are part of a broader effort to undermine reputations.
"People on one side are trying to destroy the character of people on the other side and somehow trying to make themselves look better," Arnold said.
Arnold said the focus should remain on Chavez's contributions to immigrant rights.
"We're in a period of time, if we don't speak up, who's going to be the next person that they're going to go after?" Arnold said.
___________________________________________________________________
The United Farm Workers says it will not participate in this year's Cesar Chavez Day events following allegations that the union's co-founder was involved in the abuse of young women or minors.
In a statement, the UFW said it has received reports that Cesar Chavez was allegedly involved in the abuse of women and minors. The union said it has not received any direct reports and does not have firsthand knowledge of the claims, but described the allegations as deeply troubling and said it felt compelled to take further action.
In Tucson, the Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition said on Facebook that a planned Chavez march and car show on Saturday have been canceled. A rally will still be held at Rudy Garcia Park, but under a new name: Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero issued the following statement:
"I am personally devastated by the serious abuse allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate behavior with women and minors during his time as president of the United Farmworkers of America, as reported by the Cesar Chavez Foundation. I know how important it is to make sure everyone knows help and resources are available to people who need them right now. We must believe survivors and help all heal.
"My parents and other farm-working families in Somerton and across California and Arizona participated in the United Farm Workers’ fight for fair wages and better, safer working conditions in the fields. Those changes significantly improved the conditions we experienced and made a difference to me, my family and so many others.
"Later, as a Council Member, I led the effort to create a City holiday to recognize that work. More recently, my council colleagues and I added Dolores Huerta's name to our local holiday, which honors workers and the Movement. Moving forward, we will consider the input of the community on how to address the name of the holiday while continuing to honor workers and acknowledging the work that still need to be done.
"I hope that our community comes together at the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair on Saturday and that we all remain committed to the ongoing fight for justice, equity and worker rights."
The UFW said it is now working with outside experts to set up an independent, confidential process for anyone who may have experienced harm to come forward, share their experiences, and access support.
Rather than participating in celebrations, the union is encouraging people to take part in immigration justice events and acts of service to support farmworkers that help empower people in their own communities.
The Cesar Chavez Foundation also released a statement, reading in part:
"The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment."
We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
