Birmingham - Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Carmen S. Adams announced that The Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA) is the recipient of the 2008 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). SAC Adams made the announcement and presented a certificate to Isabel Rubio, HICA’s Executive Director, at a press conference this morning. Ms. Rubio will attend a presentation early next year in Washington, DC, where FBI Director Robert Mueller will present a formal award to her and recipients from across the country. 

            Since 1990, the FBI has recognized individuals and organizations whose achievements in the terrorism, crime, drug, gang, or violence prevention/education field had an exemplary impact on the community.  Each year, the SAC of each FBI field office selects an individual or organization that has made a major contribution in these areas.

             HICA was the first independent organization established in Alabama to serve immigrant Latinos, and since 2001 has helped thousands of immigrants learn about their new community through their Information and Referral Gateway. A key component of this program is the 24 hour, seven day a week Spanish language Victim’s Hotline. Only the fourth one of its kind in the country, the hotline gives immigrant victims of crime easy access to information and services at any time of the day or night. For victims of family violence, court advocacy services help victims develop safety plans, file police reports, understand the court process, and contact legal services.

            HICA also publishes a free Spanish language resource guide, which includes a variety of safety and community educational information. To date, over 30,000 have been distributed area wide.

            HICA has established itself as a resource for area law enforcement to help build trust between the law enforcement and Latino communities. Earlier this year, HICA lent its Victim’s Hotline to law enforcement to assist in solving the murders of five Latino men.

            SAC Adams lauded HICA’s efforts: “The FBI can only conduct investigations and protect the American people from crime and acts of extremism if it has the support and understanding of the American people. Through the efforts of organizations like HICA, bridges can be built between law enforcement and the community we serve.”

            Isabel Rubio, Executive Director of HICA: “We truly appreciate the relationship that we have developed with the FBI and other law enforcement organizations throughout Birmingham over the past few years. I am honored to be recognized by the Director of the FBI for our work.”
           
            Additional information regarding HICA can be found on their website, www.hispanicinterest.org.

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