Former MILPA leader speaks out after resigning amid controversy
A former MIPLA leader is breaking his silence just days after resigning from the Salinas-based youth advocacy group.
Israel Villa turned in his resignation on Halloween last week after a controversial video surfaced of him flashing gang signs to inmates in the Monterey County Jail.
In a small press conference at La Paz Park in East Salinas Tuesday morning, Villa spoke out against what he says are mischaracterizations by the media and law enforcement.
“What I am not is a gang member. I categorically reject the efforts of anyone who tries to portray me as a gang member,” said Villa.
Villa, still very cautious about talking with the press, took no questions from the select few he invited for the speech. Villa says the video in question is almost a year old.
“To be clear, I was recorded joking around with a young man that I know,” said Villa. “I made a mistake and I know that I am not and will never be perfect.”
“As I continue to reflect, I am committed to face the situation in a way that I learn and grow from this experience,” he continued.
Villa was placed on leave soon after the video became public, and on Halloween, after discussions with MILPA leaders, Villa says he chose to resign to protect the reputation of the group.
Villa says his outspokenness on issues like school resource officers, prison visitation rights and officer-involved shootings has made him a target of law enforcement agencies.
“The recent attacks on my character do not come as a surprise as I and many in the social justice movement have successfully challenged the present
systems and the status quo,” said Villa. “Nor was I shocked that some in law enforcement would use this as an opportunity to try and discredit me and the organization that I helped to build.”
KION contacted the Salinas Police Department for comment, but they declined, only saying these accusations are simply assertions by Villa.
MILPA also says they are not going to comment any further about the incident. For now, Villa is finding solace in the words his daughter wrote for him, and he promises to fight on.
“My father is not perfect, but he is no monster. My father is a strong man on his own, but with the support of us, he is unstoppable. I believe he can accomplish anything. He has impacted my life in the best ways possible,” said Villa.
Villa went on to say he will continue to fight for racial and social justice. He says he is now going to focus on taking care of his wife and children.
