Los Vigilantes

Naming & History of Los Vigilantes

Los Vigilantes is a unique civic organization that derived its name from the word "Vigilante", which is defined as "a member of a vigilance committee". A Vigilance Committee is defined as "a volunteer committee of citizens organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law appear inadequate)". Dressed in a uniform that consists of black western hat, black western-cut pants, black western shirts with blue shoulder and sleeve inserts, black boots, white tie, and western belt buckle, members are easily identified.

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Los Vigilantes was founded in 1945 and was initially organized to work with the Imperial Valley Roundup, then held at the Imperial Mid-Winter Fairgrounds. The citizens of El Centro were requested to wear western togs for the duration of the rodeo. Those who did not were subject to "arrest" by the group organized to aid with the rodeo. It was soon realized that the local law enforcement officials would not arrest the culprits (mostly leading businessmen) for their lack of cooperation with the rodeo committee, so it was up to a local group to take over the duty. The name Los Vigilantes was adopted by those individuals chosen to go out and round up the uncooperative locals. The arrested offenders were transported to the hoosegow at 5th & Main Streets in a caged pickup, which was the official vehicle for transporting the transgressors.

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From this humble beginning the group, sponsored by the EI Centro Chamber of Commerce, moved into the more dignified activities of serving as community greeters and parade organizers. Both duties still represent a major part of the Los Vigilantes present activities. In past years, the events have included staging the EI Centro Merchants' Christmas Parade, El Centro Children's Fair Pet Parade, and the Red Ribbon Parade. The Vigilantes also hosted numerous community events, such as The Mistletoe Ball, traditionally held the evening of the El Centro Merchants' Christmas Parade, the Produce Ball, Saladero Contest and Produce Queen Contest which was hosted with the El Centro Chamber of Commerce and the Produce Industry of Imperial Valley in recognition of the role that agriculture played in the development of the Imperial Valley. They also helped coordinate community events such as the annual Chili Cook-Off, and the Snowbird Pancake Breakfast. 

 

The Vigilantes currently stage of all major parades in the Imperial Valley: Brawley Cattle Call Parade, Imperial Parade of Lights, EI Centro Christmas Parade, Calexico Christmas Parade, Holtville Carrot Festival Parade, Campo Wild West Days Parade, and the Pine Valley Days Parade.

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As of September 2021, the Vigilantes now collaborate with the IV Regional Chamber of Commerce and have a dedicated space in the lobby names the Los Vigilantes Welcome Center.

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Their current community events include the annual Draw Down dinner in which proceeds go towards scholarships for graduating seniors in the Imperial Valley, and other events as requested. On July 5, 2025, the Vigilantes assisted in cooking hamburgers for the Stars & Stripes and Flag sponsors of the first annual Celebrate America drone show hosted by the Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.​

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