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a United Farm Workers/AFL-CIO P.O, Box 1493 San Juan, Texas 78589 (512) 787-5984 ae July 25, 1975 « Edward Levi United States Attorney General Department of Justice Washington, D.C. , ty 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 any 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 began picketing near melow-fIéIds in Reeves County, Texas, They were picketing peacefully on a public road, trying to inform field 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 surweyor 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. Nine- teen men were forced to remain in jail for two days because no local bonds- men would agree to bond them. During that time the prisoners were denied breakfast in apparent retaliation for their having shouted slogans in support of a field workers’ strike. On Friday, July 25, a picket line was set 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 all 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 clearly illegal. The sheriffs are using their powers as law officers ta stop legitimate la- bor organizing activities and to interferq with the farm workers' Firs