The event made national headlines, bringing attention to the farmworker struggles in Texas. The arrested strikers and organizers were Eugene Nelson (fined $25), Bill Chandler (fined $25), Tony Orendáin (fined $25), Librado de la Cruz, Reynaldo de la Cruz, Mario Vera, Reyes Alaniz, Domingo Arredondo, Rodrigo Gareia, Guillermo de la Cruz, Daría Vera, and Irene Ramos Chandler (all acquited). The men were first detained, and Irene Ramos and Daría Vera were arrested later after lying on the ground wrapped in a banner with the union symbol and the words “Ayúdanos Virgen de Guadalupe” (Help us Virgin of Guadalupe). Ramos and Vera were dragged off the bridge and sent to jail for disturbing the peace. Texas melon pickers started their strike on June 1 demanding higher wages. Wages were often as low as 40-60 cents an hour. After a 400-mile march from Rio Grande City to Austin from July 4 to Labor Day, September 5. La Casita Farms, the largest melon grower, raised wages from 85 cents to $1.00 but refused to meet the workers’ demands for $1.25 and a contract recognizing their union.