Anti-Mexican sentiment isn’t something new to American culture. Attitudes of “citizens, but never Americans,” it’s predated us…though not highly publicized. If you have the time, and the wherewithal, sift through untold American history. For example, the massacre at Porvenir, where state sanctioned violence was covered and applauded in Texas. 

In January of 1918, 103 years ago, 15 unarmed Mexican American boys and men were shot down. If you look it up on Youtube you won’t find many videos, and articles are just as sparse. Wikipedia says the motive was related to events after the Mexican Revolution, but was it? I have an insatiable appetite when it comes to curiosity. One such idea was why Mexican Americans (previously landowners) somehow over time have switched roles to become those working the very same land they used to own. My research has unfortunately led me down a path of stories that break my heart. Porvenir being one of those. 

A small community that maintained it’s schools and land, minding its own every day business, had no idea their physical appearances would somehow erase their Americanness. I shouldn’t say they didn’t know, but rather, hoped for better. On January 24th, while sleeping, the small town was awoken to Texas Rangers pulling them out of their beds and homes. After finding nothing, because there was nothing to find, and after 2 days in captivity, the rangers released their prisoners. Although traumatic, the families breathed a sigh of relief. It was over. Or so they thought. 

4 days later, January 28th, the Rangers returned with the help of soldiers from the Eighth US Calvary Regiment. They separated 15 men and boys from the community, took them to a hill nearby and executed them. They then proceeded to destroy the village. The family members remaining had to seek safety elsewhere, eventually crossing back over into Mexican territory. With sworn affidavits from surviving members of families, the Mexican government attempted to bring the Rangers who had executed them to justice. The Rangers claimed the residents of Porvenir were “thieves, informers, spies, and murderers.” Mexican Bandits, you know. You can guess the rest. Attempts at justice were never successful, the murderers were never prosecuted. It wasn’t until 2018 that a plaque was commemorated at the sight of these atrocities, despite there STILL being pushback from citizens questioning the innocence of the victims.

What drew me into this case so much was that Mexican drug dealers…killers…illegal aliens…are all terms I hear now. Despite Hispanics constituting the 3rd largest racial group in the country. However, we seem to be on the cusp of a new era. President Biden is making attempts to ban such terms as “alien.” It makes me wonder if some things will change. I have hope, just enough, for the future. It’s unfortunate, I have to question it. 

In memory of those lost at Porvenir:

Manuel Moralez

Román Nieves

Longino Flores

Alberto García

Eutimio Gonzales

Macedonio Huertas

Tiburcio Jaques

Ambrosio Hernández

Antonio Castanedo

Pedro Herrera

Viviano Herrera

Severiano Herrera

Pedro Jiménez

Serapio Jiménez

Juan Jiménez