Israel Villa resigns from MILPA after controversial video
MILPA and the Action Council of Monterey County said in a joint statement that a MILPA member resigned after the release of a controversial video.
Last month, a video from the Monterey County Jail surfaced showing MILPA leader Israel Villa flashing what appears to be a gang sign used by the Salinas East Marqueta in a group chat with inmates. Villa was later placed on leave.
In a statement, the groups said, “This past week both Action Council of Monterey County and MILPA conducted an internal review of the facts and circumstances related to the video concerning Israel Villa. The organizations met with the employee, and at the conclusion of the discussion Mr. Villa resigned. No other comments will be made regarding this personnel issue.”
Organizations such as the California Endowment and the Action Council of Monterey County have shown support for the nonprofit since the video was released, pointing out what MILPA has done in the Salinas Valley community.
The video prompted criticism from others. The Salinas Police Officers Association demanded that the city take action and cut ties with MILPA, which is a member of the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace.
The executive director of MILPA, Juan Gomez, said the experiences of staff members are what help them work to build community safety and reduce violence. The non-profit is run by formerly incarcerated people who were affiliated with gangs in the past, but the group said its purpose is to give voice to marginalized communities, youth and residents.
