The Chicano Squad doc event on A&E is inspirational

For many years the Chicano Squad detectives’ sacrifices and achievements were remembered by a close circle in the Houston area. The iconic officers in the Houston Police Department epitomized what can be accomplished when diversity, inclusion and hard work unite. 

On their 45th anniversary, The Chicano Squad’s story will be told in a documentary event that will premiere on Sept. 2-3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on A&E.

Officers James “Jim” Montero, Jose Selvera Jr., Cecil Mosqueda, Raymond Gonzalez and U.P. Hernandez represent the historic police squad.   

The Chicano Squad were the first All-Latino homicide unit in the United States. They were founded in 1979 as a result of the rising crime on Latino citizens. Most homicide cases that were left unsolved at that time involved Spanish-speaking victims.

Tasked with an experiment that was set to fail, the inexperienced detectives had 90 days to solve numerous cold cases. If they failed, they had to return as patrolmen. Given limited resources, and a shareable office smaller than a closet, the six men solved 80 percent of their cases. 

The documentary showcases the uncensored reality of the Chicano Squad. The viewers will see the hardships they confronted. They had to overcome racism from their fellow detectives, community unrest and an excruciating workload. The men fought hard for their program’s existence. 

“Never backed down”

“I was fortunate enough to have five patrolmen come out to the streets to (become) detectives and listen to me after I got the captain and the chief to agree to it,” Jim Montero said. “These guys came and they worked hard, never complained and never backed down.”

There were very few Latino officers in HPD in the 1970’s, much less detectives. While the Chicano Squad played a pivotal role in deciphering many unsolvable cases, they also paved the way for Latinos in law enforcement. 

By speaking Spanish they built trust with the Hispanic community. New HPD Chief Noe Diaz, who spoke during the Chicano Squad premiere in Houston, is adamant that without the brave risk the Chicano Squad took he wouldn’t be where he is today. 

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These men may say they were simply doing their job, however they set the standard for police work. They opened doors that seemed unattainable for many Latino citizens. They gave communities hope that a change was coming. 

“Police work is not easy.” Selvera said. “We make split-second decisions. The men and women who put on the badge and go to work are the true heroes. Me, I am on the way out. These are the people who are going to need support. I hope this documentary here brings to the forefront the hard work that goes into work.”

Latino History is American History

While the Chicano Squad story is prominently celebrated in Houston and studied in a few Latino history courses at universities, their story has been shielded from much of America.

The HPD officers never expected for their careers to be celebrated in the manner it has. However, thanks to Sergio Selvera, who is the son of Jose, the documentary will now reach an enormous audience.  

This story hits close to home. The Chicano Squad patrolled the community in Houston where I was raised, so this documentary means a great deal, not just for the representation of Houston but as a Latino. This documentary exposes how successful Latinos can be when given a chance. 

The Chicano Squad aren’t just Houston heroes, but American heroes. It’s very important for their story to come to light as many stories of Latino protagonists have not yet been told.