Congressional Hispanic Caucus Statement on the Death of Vanessa Guillen, Demands for Justice

San Antonio, TX — Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) issued the following statement after remains were identified as Vanessa Guillen's and in support of calls for justice:

"On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, we extend our deepest condolences to the Guillen family and loved ones for their loss. Vanessa was a 20-year-old, brave Latina solider with her whole life ahead of her. She did not deserve to die while serving her country.

"In the months since her disappearance, thousands of people across the United States, particularly Latinas, have spoken up about sexual harassment and assault in the military, echoing the allegations of the Guillen family. Their voices must be heard and listened to.

"Let's be clear: Congress has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct in the U.S. military. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Jackie Spier are demanding an independent investigation, which Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia and I fully support. We will not stop pursuing justice for Vanessa Guillen."

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.