30 Aug PCUN Statement: Seattle Consular Change After Community Leaders Demand Accountability

Seattle Consular Change After Community Leaders Demand Accountability

WOODBURN, Oregon – PCUN, Oregon’s union for farmworkers and Latinx working families, stood united and sent a letter to the Guatemalan Embassy, reporting comments and behaviors towards Guatemalan citizens at a mobile consulate event hosted at PCUN. The letter (translated into English) stated:

“We must report a disturbing incident that has deeply affected our community. During a mobile consulate held on February 24 and 25 at our offices in Woodburn, Oregon, with the support of the Consul in Seattle, we were faced with an unexpected situation. The influx of people exceeded our capacities, which generated frustration among Guatemalan citizens who traveled long distances in search of consular services.” 

Despite our efforts to remain calm with the participants, the reaction and intervention of the Consul of Guatemala, Carlos José Arroyave Prera, exacerbated the situation and endangered the reputation of our union.”

The letter also detailed that the Consul made threats to attendees that he would call the police and proceeded to say he would call immigration agents to the mobile consul as a threat to frustrated attendees soliciting consular services. Mr. Arroyave Prera did not call either agency; multiple staff and attendees heard the threats, sending a chilling effect in the Guatemalan community. In the letter, PCUN stated, “In view of these events, we clearly and unequivocally request the resignation or change of the Consul General for this region”

PCUN supports the decision of the Guatemalan Embassy. “Guatemalan farmworkers are a part of our essential food chain and agricultural economy. They are our friends and family members. Any and all future Consuls providing services in the United States must understand the compounding factors at play for Guatemalan communities in the United States. Consular offices, embassies, and mobile consuls should be safe places for citizens of those countries to go without threat of deportation, state violence, or threats against their personhood. We look forward to building a relationship with the new consul in Seattle.” Said Reyna Lopez, President and Executive Director of PCUN.

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