[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E722-E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING SANTOS RODRIGUEZ OF THE CITY OF DALLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JASMINE CROCKETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2023

  Ms. CROCKETT. Mr. Speaker, it is with heartfelt sorrow that I rise 
today to pay tribute to the memory of Santos Rodriguez--a young soul 
whose life was tragically cut short 50 years ago. On July 24, 1973, 
this innocent 12-year-old boy from Dallas, Texas, fell victim to an 
appalling act of violence that shook our Nation's conscience and 
forever changed the lives of his family and community.
  On that fateful night, a Dallas police officer z--who was entrusted 
with protecting and serving the community--took Santos and his brother, 
David, from their home while responding to a call about a petty theft 
at a local gas station in the Little Mexico neighborhood. The two 
brothers were still in their pajamas as they were handcuffed and placed 
in a police car. In a shocking display of recklessness, the police 
officer aimed his gun at Santos' head and engaged in a lethal game of 
Russian roulette. Santos denied any involvement in the crime. 
Tragically, when the trigger was pulled--the gun fired. Santos was 
killed as his brother

[[Page E723]]

watched from the backseat. On July 24, 1973, young Santos Rodriguez was 
taken away from his loved ones in a brutal act of violence, shattering 
the dreams he had yet to fulfill.
  As the Congressional representative for the Little Mexico 
neighborhood--what is now known as Uptown--I feel a deep responsibility 
not only to honor the memory of Santos, but also to stand in solidarity 
with the Mexican-American community of Dallas as we continue the fight 
for equality. Santos Rodriguez's story remains a stark reminder of the 
continued need for oversight within our law enforcement system and the 
devastating impact of unchecked abuses of power. His untimely death 
exposed the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities and the 
profound importance of addressing racial injustice.
  Residents of the City of Dallas have a right to know the truth of 
their city. We have a right to live in a city governed by leaders who 
believe that the only way towards a more equitable future requires us 
to reconcile with our past. While we remember Santos Rodriguez, let us 
also honor his memory by recommitting ourselves to creating a safer and 
more equitable Dallas. In his memory, we must strive for a future where 
no child or individual lives in fear, where persons in positions of 
authority are held to the highest standards of integrity, and where the 
tragedies of our past are never forgotten.
  In 1973, the story of Santos' murder inspired the Chicano movement in 
North Texas. In the five decades since that heart-wrenching event, we 
have seen the community of Dallas and the nation rally together in 
solidarity to demand change. Santos Rodriguez's memory has become a 
symbol of resilience inspiring movements for justice, equality, and 
meaningful police reform.
  Today, as we solemnly remember Santos, let us recommit ourselves to 
the pursuit of justice and fairness, and strive for a society where no 
life is ever again lost to such senseless acts of violence. May his 
legacy embolden us to continue our fight for a more inclusive and 
compassionate nation, where all citizens can trust in the fairness of 
our law enforcement and justice systems.
  As we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Santos 
Rodriguez and his loved ones, we must honor his memory by taking 
concrete steps towards a future where every child's dreams can flourish 
without fear or prejudice. In his memory, let us strive for a Nation 
that upholds the values of justice, empathy, and equality for all.
  I stand with the residents of Dallas as we continue to march forward 
in a steadfast and unrelenting pursuit of justice. My thoughts and 
prayers are with all the people whose lives have been touched by the 
legacy of Santos Rodriguez. May his spirit live forever in our hearts, 
and may his legacy continue to inspire us to lead with love and guide 
us towards a more just and equitable society.

                          ____________________