Preliminary FBI data indicates that 2025 marked a record year for hate crimes against Latinos in the United States, with incidents rising 18% from 858 in 2024 to 1,014. California reported a significant rise of 14.8%, totaling 240 incidents, the highest since the FBI began tracking hate crimes in 1991. Notably, this increase occurs amidst a national decrease in overall hate crimes by 11%. Over the past decade, anti-Latino hate crimes have generally increased, with only one decline in 2024. The rise is attributed to heightened immigration enforcement and anti-immigrant sentiments, often fueled by political rhetoric. Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), expressed concern over the normalization of hostility towards Latinos, stating that the current environment allows for overt actions against them. In response to the alarming trend, LULAC plans to hire a dedicated researcher to monitor anti-Latino hate and xenophobia in the U.S.