Since arriving in the United States 36 years ago, Jose Antonio Garcia Martinez, a Mexican originally from Mexico City, has done construction work in several cities such as Houston, Los Angeles, San Jose, and once his work took him to Kyoto after a recommendation from a coworker.

“There were three of us Americans, three Mexicans, and two Japanese,” recalled Garcia, who was awarded the Pride of Mexico Award by the Mexican Consulate in LA.

This Mexican finds satisfaction in being able to build houses from the ground up until they are ready and habitable, and in enjoying seeing people happy with his work.

Every month, the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles holds a ceremony to award the “Pride of Mexico of the Month” recognition. This distinction honors Mexican migrants whose work, outside the public sphere, has significantly contributed to the well-being and development of their communities and serves as an example to others.

Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, shared that for the consulate, the recognition of Jose Antonio is honoring a Mexican who, through hard work, effort, dedication, and discipline, has managed to excel in the country as a supervisor who assumes responsibility for the management and administration of a construction project.

“Jose Antonio’s story reflects the migrant community’s ability to forge a path, overcome obstacles, and demonstrate that the talent and hard work of Mexicans are synonymous with excellence and commitment,” said the diplomat. “Behind the great architectural projects that shape a city like Los Angeles, there are many hardworking Mexican hands who, like Jose Antonio, built this metropolis day after day.”

From Day Laborer to Contractor

Garcia’s story begins as a day laborer recently arrived in the country, with the goal of raising funds to return to Mexico and start a mechanic’s workshop in his home country.

However, through his daily work, he discovered his true calling in the construction sector, forging a solid career as a contractor.

Beyond his professional life,He also stands out as a dedicated father and husband who is proud of his three children: Stephanie, who holds a degree in Hospital Administration from San Jose State University; Erick, a surgeon; and Daniella, a biologist who graduated from Brown University.

Gabriela Perez, Garcia's wife, shared that her husband has been a very hard-working man since the day she met him and she is very proud of everything he has accomplished.

"He was always a very hard worker and very responsible for his family," said Garcia's wife. "We have built a beautiful home and have been married for 37 years, and it has been a very good thing in our lives for both of us."

Erick Garcia, the son of the honoree, always saw his father get up early to go to work, and today he is very grateful for the opportunities he was able to have in the country because of his father.

“Sometimes I even wanted to go work with him in construction, but he wouldn't let me because he wanted me to learn and go to school, and that helped me get to where I am now,” said Garcia's son, who is a doctor.

In 2014, Garcia suffered an illness, about which he prefers not to share details, that nearly cost him his life. However, during his recovery, the Mexican continued working.

“So, during the recovery process, I decided to get my contractor's license. I studied and passed the exam, got my license, and returned to work with the company and with my own,” said the Mexican.

Today, the Mexican feels satisfied with what he has done and enjoys continuing to learn. In the future, he plans to have his own inspection company.

“Even though you come from another country and everything, you know that we have to respect and not lose that value we have as Mexicans: that we are recognized because we party, but also because we work hard and respect people,” Garcia said.

Not far from where Garcia received his recognition at the Consulate, federal agents descended outside the Home Depot in Westlake around 7 a.m. and took several people looking for work, according to a report by the LA Public Press.

According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the LA Public Press, only three of the eight people detained had “criminal records,” although the DHS did not provide documentation to support those statements.

For Garcia, this situation is sad since the migrant began his life in the country doing the same thing.

“It’s sad, isn’t it? That they’re going through all of this,” he added. “They’re just looking for a way to survive, to do something, too, but what I could tell them is not to lose faith and that I hope it’s just temporary.”