A New York Times investigation reveals that César Chávez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and icon of Latino civil rights, sexually abused girls and women linked to the movement for decades. Dolores Huerta, his ally, claims she was raped by him in 1966. The union has acknowledged the accusations and canceled commemorative events.
The New York Times published on March 18, 2026, an investigation based on documents, emails, and interviews with over 60 people, including victims, accusing César Chávez of sexually abusing minors and women from the 1960s until his death in 1993. Ana Murguia recounts abuse starting at age 13, from 1972 to 1977. Debra Rojas alleges Chávez raped her at 15 in a California motel during a farmworkers' rights march. “I liked him,” Rojas said. “He did a great job of manipulation. They should give him an Academy Award for all he did.Most abuses occurred at La Paz, the union's compound in the Tehachapi mountains, over 160 km north of Los Angeles. Dolores Huerta, UFW co-founder, revealed at 95 that Chávez manipulated and forcibly had sex with her in 1966 in a Delano, California vineyard, resulting in two secret pregnancies. In a statement, Huerta wrote: “The first time I was manipulated and pressured... The second time I was forced, against my will.” She said she was unaware of child abuses then and condemned Chávez's actions.The UFW, after learning of the investigation, issued a statement Tuesday acknowledging “deeply troubling” and “devastating” accusations, though denying direct complaints. It announced no participation in March 31 events, Chávez's birthday, and creating a reporting channel for reparations. The New York Times accessed UFW emails about one allegation, noting that family and former leaders knew but did not investigate.
