Considering the pain that thousands of our fellow countrymen and women have suffered due to immigration enforcement, whether through detention, imprisonment, deportation, or even the death of a family member or friend, from the bottom of my heart I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We know that these Words will not remedy or alleviate your pain, but we want you to know that I am with you; In good times and bad, you will always have my support. At this moment, I am not speaking to you as a candidate for council member of District 9 nor as a public servant, a position from which it has been a pleasure and an honor to serve you all. Today I speak to you as an immigrant who was brought to the United States by my family when I was very young; as the son of immigrants who witnessed the efforts and sacrifices their parents made to raise their children; And also as a resident of District 9, where I have lived for over two decades and where today I am beginning to raise a family.

I want you to know that, like you, although many of us have not been direct victims of federal authorities, we also feel the pain and anger caused by this illegal persecution, especially because of the level of violence shown during the subjugation of many members of our community.

I am sure that most immigrants are not only outraged and frustrated, but also feel powerless because we cannot do more to help the families who are suffering the absence of a relative or friend. I want you to know that, whether from the government or simply as a neighbor of District 9, each and every one of you has my support.

These good wishes and this support are also extended to all residents of District 9, Latino and non-Latino, immigrants and citizens, whether they speak Spanish, English, or any other language. I want you to know that I am grateful for all the attention and support I have received in recent months; But above all, I want you to know that you will always find a friend in me. I also want to take this opportunity to thank my wife Vanessa, my daughter Loxley, my parents for their unwavering support, for the education they gave me,and for the sacrifices they made to inspire us to succeed. You can be sure they raised me to be a good person, deeply grateful to everyone, and that gratitude commits me to never let anyone down: not my family, not my friends and acquaintances, and certainly not the residents of District 9 in Los Angeles. Just as you all want to see a more prosperous community, with more jobs, better streets, and services, so do I, as a member of this community. That's why I tell you that, wherever I am, I will never fail you and will continue working to improve our quality of life. Finally, I wish you all a wonderful and happy time with your family and loved ones. But above all, may the coming year be filled with hope, new projects, and, above all, good health for everyone.

Once again, thank you, and I wish you a happy 2026.

(*) Jose Ugarte is a candidate for councilman for District 9 of the city of Los Angeles.