Most farmworkers in the United States today aren't represented by labor unions, but United Farm Workers is known by many as their voice. Roughly 60 years after its founding by César Chavez and other activists, the UFW remains a political force in California and beyond, though observers debate its effectiveness. The organization is now publicly grappling with allegations that Chavez sexually abused girls and one of the movement's cofounders, Dolores Huerta. The UFW says the scandal won't derail its mission to advocate on behalf of those hired to grow the country's food.

Monuments, city streets, elementary schools and other places honoring César Chavez's name and the legacy of his labor movement stretch across states. Now, in the wake of explosive sexual abuse allegations against the Latino icon, the name overnight has become more of a stain. Some of the institutions and local governments overseeing sites across the country bearing the Chavez name have already started the process Thursday of erasing it. Besides buildings and street signs, they also want to take steps to rename César Chavez Day, a federally proclaimed holiday that falls on his March 31 birthday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is supporting a proposal to rename César Chavez Day following stunning abuse allegations against the revered labor leader. Newsom said Thursday he will move quickly on legislation if it passes to rename March 31 as Farmworkers Day. Political leaders in states and cities are considering similar moves after the co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America union and others alleged Chavez sexually abused them. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson's office says he won't issue a proclamation honoring César Chavez Day this year. There also are calls to alter memorials honoring the man who helped secure better wages and working conditions for farmworkers.

Federal agents have rounded up dozens of California farmworkers in large-scale raids at packinghouses and fields that farm bureaus say threaten businesses that supply much of the country's food. Community advocates said several dozen immigrants were arrested after agents raided packing sheds and fields. Many of the arrests took place on farms northwest of Los Angeles. Some farmworkers have stopped showing up for work since the raids began. The California Farm Bureau says it doesn't have reports of widespread workforce disruption. The state grows much of the country's fresh produce.