A recent publication by NBC News highlights the increase in hate crimes imputed against the Latino community in the United States from the account of Deborah Anchondo, a woman from El Paso, Texas, who continues to suffer the emotional consequences of the tragic racist shooting that took place at a Walmart shopping center in August 2019. In the attack, her brother André and sister-in-law Jordan Anchondo, were shot dead while protecting their 2-year-old son. Deborah highlights the enduring pain the Anchondo family has faced since the attack that resulted in 23 deaths and more than two dozen injuried.

Research by the Center for the Study of Hate andExtremism at California State University reveals an average increase of 22% in reported hate crimes in the 10 largest cities in the United States in 2022. Los Angeles has recorded the highest number of hate crimes in the country, including attacks against Black, LGBTQIA+, Jewish and Latino people.

The analysis highlights that anti-Latino hate crimes increased by 2.8% in 2022, following a significant increase of 41% in 2021. The text notes that different groups in the U.S. are involved in conspiracy theories, some of which are anti-Latino. In addition, it is highlighted that the anti-immigrant and prejudiced rhetoric of some politicians may contribute to these incidents.

The person responsible for the El Paso shooting, Patrick Crusius, was sentenced to 90 life sentences in July 2022. Deborah Anchondo shares the emotional devastation the incident caused her family, mentioning that her father also passed away in 2021 due to the pain and suffering caused by the loss of his son.

FBI data reveals a 47% increase in hate crimes in the U.S. from 2019 to 2022, with racial and religious motivations prevalent. The text published by NBC highlights that many victims may not report these crimes, especially due to concerns about legal immigration documentation.

The report also highlights the importance of Latino history in public schools and the American narrative, citing Rep. Joaquín Castro, who expresses concern about the rise in hate crimes against Latinos in Texas.

Deborah Anchondo who, despite the devastation, claims to have forgiven her brother's killer and said she does not believe in the death penalty. She emphasizes the desire to move forward and make her nephew, Paul, happy, highlighting the lasting impact these events have on people's lives and society as a whole.