Anti-Latino Hate Crimes Reach Record High in 2025

Preliminary FBI data shows an 18% nationwide increase in incidents targeting Latinos

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone Latino person standing on a dimly lit urban street corner, their face partially obscured by shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and vulnerability in the face of rising hate.The rise in anti-Latino hate crimes across the country reflects a growing climate of intolerance and fear, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of this troubling trend.Los Angeles Today

According to preliminary FBI data reviewed by The Los Angeles Times, anti-Latino hate crime incidents increased 18% nationwide from 2024 to 2025, reaching a record high of 1,014 incidents. The increase came as the overall number of hate crime incidents decreased by 11% across all groups. In California alone, hate crimes against Latinos jumped 14.8% from 209 in 2024 to 240 in 2025.

Why it matters

The precipitous climb in anti-Latino hate crimes coincided with an increased focus on immigration enforcement by both local and national politicians, with discussions largely centering on the Latino community. This has led to concerns that the political rhetoric has created an environment where animosity and attacks against Latinos have become more acceptable.

The details

The 2025 FBI data, which are still considered preliminary, showed that the number of incidents the agency labeled as anti-Latino hate crimes nationwide increased from 858 in 2024 to 1,014 in 2025. In California, hate crime incidents against Latinos jumped from 209 in 2024 to 240 in 2025, a 14.8% increase. This marked an all-time high for the number of such incidents against Latinos since the FBI first started officially tracking hate crimes in 1991.

  • In 2023, hate crimes against Latino people increased by 19% year over year in California, with a total of 144 incidents.
  • From 2023 to 2024, the number of hate crimes in Los Angeles County in which victims were identified as Latino increased by 25 incidents, for a total of 71.
  • Preliminary data from the Orange County Human Relations Commission charted 119 hate crime events in the county in 2024, accounting for roughly 6% of the statewide share.

The players

LULAC

The League of United Latin American Citizens, one of the nation's oldest Latino advocacy organizations, which focuses on civil rights, education and employment.

Juan Proaño

The CEO of LULAC, who has been following the rise in anti-Latino hate crimes and connected it to a recent rise in anti-immigrant legislation across the country.

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What they’re saying

“My feeling is that it has a lot to do with the rhetoric that we hear today about immigrants, primarily coming from the president and this administration, which has provided the space, the opportunity for people to air or take action specifically against immigrants.”

— Juan Proaño, CEO, LULAC

“Folks have been very outwardly spoken and in actions attacking Latinos. And it's very, very sad.”

— Juan Proaño, CEO, LULAC

What’s next

The FBI is expected to release its annual 'Reported Crimes in the Nation' report for 2025 in the coming months, which will provide more comprehensive data on the rise in anti-Latino hate crimes.

The takeaway

The sharp increase in anti-Latino hate crimes across the country, particularly in California, highlights the need for greater awareness, education, and action to address the growing problem of xenophobia and discrimination targeting the Latino community. Policymakers and community leaders must work together to foster an environment of inclusion and respect.