Congresswoman Escobar’s office reads congressional recognition of Rio Vista Bracero Farm into Socorro record

Kaylee Castillo, district representative for Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, read into the Socorro City Council record a congressional recognition of the Rio Vista Bracero Farm and presented a copy of the congressional statement to the city.

Castillo said the Rio Vista Bracero Farm — established in 1915 as El Paso County’s poor farm and used as a Bracero program hub between 1951 and 1964 — facilitated millions of border crossings for Mexican agricultural workers and has national significance. She said the site was designated a national historic landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in December 2023. Castillo commended the city, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and local stakeholders for preservation efforts and asked the council to reflect on preserving the history and contributions of migrant laborers.

Victor Reta, the city’s historic preservation officer, introduced Castillo and noted the city’s involvement with the recognition. Councilmembers thanked Escobar’s office for the support; staff and council took a photo with the congressional recognition.

The presentation was entered into the record; no formal council action was required or taken on the congressional recognition during the meeting.