HONORING LIFE OF MATEO CAMARILLO

On 2026-01-15, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIFE OF MATEO CAMARILLO" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered civil rights.

HONORING LIFE OF MATEO CAMARILLO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 11 (Thursday, January 15, 2026)] [House] [Page H911] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE OF MATEO CAMARILLO (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mateo Camarillo, a great trailblazer and leader in San Diego, who passed away recently. Mateo was born in 1941 in Tijuana and immigrated to the United States as a child. As a fierce advocate for social justice and civil rights, Mateo put community at the heart of everything he did. He was the force behind many incredible organizations and efforts that changed San Diego for the better. Mateo began organizing and helped create Casa Familiar and the San Ysidro Health Center. He fought to expand bilingual access in public institutions. He also served as the executive director of The Chicano Federation. In addition to his public service, he was a very successful entrepreneur and educator. Despite his many accomplishments, his family--his family--was his pride and joy. Mateo was once asked what his biggest motivation was for his work. He said it was helping immigrant communities reach for the American Dream of equal opportunity for all. He did more than that. He did great things. May Mateo rest in peace. A job well done. ____________________