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es lu’ . 2 Sy sytem, ; United Farm Workers /AFL-C1O _ . “we won at ae P, 0. Box 1493 Gabe oovues San Juan, Texas 78589 (512) 787-5984 - 14 July 25, 1975 Edward Levi United States Attorney General Departwent of Justice Washington, D.C. ’ . Dear Mr. Levi: We would like to bring to your attention some disturbing events which have taken place near Pecos, Texas in the last three days. We request eny as- sistance you can render to stop the violation of farm workers' rights that is going on there now, . On Wednesday, July 23 United Farm Workers organizers and supporters bepan packiting acar Molen FTEs in Reeves Usudty, Texas. They were pichkcting peacefully on a public road, trying to inform ficld workers of the benefits of unionization, when they were arrested. More than thirty people were jailed, including three women and eight children. They were charged with criminal trespass despite the fact that the county surveyor and some of the growers in the area admit the road where picketing took place is public. A law student intern was arrested later that day when she went to the Reeves County jail to inquire about the charges. The children, ranging in age from twelve to fifteen, were held for five hours in the adult section of the jail before bail could be raised. Wine- teen men were forced to remain in jail for two days decause no local bonds- men would agree to bond them, During that time the prisoners were denied breakfast in apparent retaliation for their having scouted slogans in support of a field workers' strike. On Friday, July 25, a picket line was sect up on a public road near melon fields in neighboring Pecos County. The picketers were accompanied by an attorney and several law students who hoped by their presence to prevent further arrests. Moments after picketing began ail of the UFW supporters on the road, including the lawyer and law students, were arrested. They were given no warning or opportunity to leave to avoid arrest. Fifteen people are again charged with trespass, although their brief activity took Place on a public road. The actions of the Pecos and Reeves County sheriffs are clearfy ilicgal. The sheriffs are using their powers as law officers to stop legitimate la- bor organizing activities and to interfere with the farm workers' First . - Lb ‘ \ ~ - + eee _— - —_$———