Miguel Trujillo--Native American Voting Rights Advocate

Floor Speech

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Miguel Trujillo and to celebrate his legacy of service as a tireless advocate for Native Americans in my district and across the country.

Miguel Trujillo is a member of the Pueblo of Isleta tribe of Native Americans. At 10 years old, the government removed Miguel from his home and sent him to a boarding school across the country where they intended to ``assimilate'' him. Instead, Miguel became an advocate for education in his own community. After graduating from the Haskell Institute in Kansas in 1925, Miguel went on to receive a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, despite Native Americans being ineligible for scholarships during that time.

Miguel used his degrees to bring educational opportunities back to his community. For decades, Miguel worked as an educator with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in New Mexico. He inspired countless students in my district and beyond to graduate and pursue their own educational journeys.

At the outset of World War II, Miguel Trujillo volunteered to serve in the United States Marines, and went on to join the over 25,000 Native Americans who defended our country. Following the war, Miguel received an honorable discharge, and returned to serving as an educator in the Isleta Pueblo. Miguel would go on to receive his M.A., all while remaining active in the formerly titled All Indian Pueblo Council and veteran organizations.

In 1948, Miguel attempted to register to vote in Valencia County. Despite his record of service as a veteran and an educator, Miguel was denied the right to vote due to a provision in New Mexico law that barred many Native Americans from voting. Miguel sued, claiming that this provision was discriminatory. On August 3, 1948, Miguel won his case when a three-judge panel found that he had a constitutional right to vote. Miguel's case, known as Trujillo v. Garley, became a landmark civil rights case for all Native Americans.

Since his death, Miguel has been honored for his legacy of service by the New Mexico State House and has received a Meritorious Award from the Department of the Interior. He recently received the Margaret Chase Smith American Democracy Award for his advocacy for the right to vote. He is also remembered by the Isleta Pueblo, who celebrate an annual Miguel Trujillo Day.

On the 75th anniversary of his landmark legal victory, I would like to celebrate Miguel Trujillo as an educator, a veteran, and a champion for justice in his community. His service has made New Mexico and our Nation a stronger and more equitable place.

On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I thank Miguel Trujillo for all he has done for our community.

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