Chicano Squad

1,067

Forty years ago, Houston's Latino community was plagued by discrimination, police violence and a growing number of unsolved murders. With tensions between police and the community at their peak, five young officers were placed in an audacious experiment: A new all-Latino homicide squad, with little training and few resources, assigned to solve the city’s most vicious crimes. Chicano Squad tells the true story of these men, their divided loyalties, and a city on the brink.Hosted by Cristela Alonzo. Produced by Frequency Machine and the Vox Media Podcast Network. 

Recent Episodes
  • Up Against the Mob: The Cooperator
    Oct 19, 2021 – 01:07:20
  • Whose Stories Get Told
    Mar 16, 2021 – 41:21
  • The Ones That Stay With You
    Mar 9, 2021 – 47:58
  • The Sting - The Fall of Bobby Gatewood Part 2
    Mar 2, 2021 – 53:46
  • Temptations - The Fall of Bobby Gatewood Part 1
    Feb 23, 2021 – 49:08
  • Little Girls Lost
    Feb 16, 2021 – 49:13
  • Officer Down
    Feb 9, 2021 – 49:39
  • Cocaine Kings
    Feb 2, 2021 – 49:29
  • One Squad Against the Unsolvable
    Jan 26, 2021 – 46:48
  • Between the Barrio and the Badge
    Jan 19, 2021 – 50:49
  • One Dollar for a Life
    Jan 12, 2021 – 47:14
  • The Death of José Campos Torres
    Jan 5, 2021 – 49:27
  • Introducing Chicano Squad
    Dec 29, 2020 – 03:01
Recent Reviews
  • come to me now
    GREEAAT
    Since my grandpa is cecil mosqueda of course I listened to it, now I dont like podcast, there very very boring. But this one is interesting, and it makes it feel real. But I really do recommend it to anyone who likes mystery and action
  • Stalking mom
    Amazing
    I enjoyed his stories so much I listened to the whole podcast every episode in one day. I could not wait to hear what happened and I almost felt like I was there. The voice and the tone of voice, along with the music was excellent. I am so glad, and proud of the Chicano squad for all their accomplishments. I am so glad that most of them fight to see the end results before they passed away.
  • ChristyRitchie
    Very detailed!!
    Thank you for sharing this story! This podcast shared the history of a team with in the department that was very much needed along with needed to be acknowledged for their efforts to improve the city they served. I found it very detailed sharing both good & bad of the unit & department. Diversity is the USA, the only way to protect all of our communities is by providing diversity in policing.
  • shopgirl286
    A must listen to podcast!
    Thank you for telling this story! HPD class 157!
  • sambeaux1
    Don’t waste your time
    I tried listening to this great story. Unfortunately the teller was more interested in inserting herself into it. It truly made it impossible to listen to, and that saddens me because I really wanted to hear it.
  • BadMrNiceGuy
    Chicano Contribution
    Great work showcasing the contribution of Chicanos in law enforcement. Chicanos contribution to varies professions and industries almost always get no recognition partly because Chicanos don’t look for others to give them attaboy.
  • souldier177
    Wow
    Amazing story telling especially for the Chicano community
  • Carlos2000
    Just WOW!!
    I only heard about this after work today and I played it on the way home. I can’t wait to hear more.
  • Lars Cato
    Content is good
    Content is good. Interesting story. The host is a bit intrusive. The best podcasts have the host and the interviewees meld mesh well together. Not in this cast. The host appears to be performing which was distracting.
  • Mspaisley
    Amazing !!!
    What a fantastic podcast I can’t believe this is the first time I hear about this!
  • BluesDancingLori
    Fantastic show
    The story of the Chicano Squad is movie-worthy. The obstacles they faced to solve cases -community distrust, lack of resources, and poor treatment from their white colleagues and superiors - were insane. What the Squad accomplished in terms of case clearance rates and restoring community trust is incredible.
  • Maxx 111
    A history that needs to be heard.
    For someone who had lived in San Antonio with its rich history. And as a Chicano we need more stories like this to be told.
  • ThreadWithAmbition
    Definitely worth the listen
    I’m just finishing the first episode but already know I’m here until the end. Cristela has an amazing gift in how she’s able to share this story. Eager to find out more.
  • Dj Yogi in Atlanta
    Excellent Storytelling
    I loved this podcast series. Fantastic structure
  • WillmSan
    A great podcast retelling the story of an all-Latino squad and their 40 year journey.
    One of the best podcast I’ve listened to in a long time. A 40 year journey of Houston’s first all-Latino homicide squad. The highs and lows of a group of officers trying to do it right for the community, the department and each other. #latino #houston #voxmedia
  • GO CRAZY GO STUPID
    Good asl podcast
    I don’t like podcasts at all! And I wanted to to start on them to see what I be missing out and I was getting bored with the ones I was trying to listen to . But then I bumped into this one and I want to be a police officer one day. So since I’m Mexican and I saw the it was about Hispanic police officers I was was intrigued. I started it and I was hooked! I finished it in less then a week! This deserves a 10 star rating ! I learned history of Houston police and the racial struggles . I would of never knew any of this if it hadn’t been for this podcast! Living in Texas and in the military it opens your eyes . I’m glad I listened to this podcast cause it sure open my eyes even more .
  • paco76
    Super interesting
    Focuses on a group police officers, their stories, discrepancies in justice, & journalism. Worth a listen .
  • borderbabel
    Love it
    So important to see how positive change happened. Such an amazing group of officers. Thank you for telling their story. .
  • MVigueras
    Chicano Squad
    I absolutely loved this podcast. I couldn’t wait to get through each episode! I would love more content like this!
  • romoloria
    Just wow
    I learned SO much from this podcast. We need more of these stories! My blood was boiling the whole time I was listening.
  • Coriiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnaaaaaaa
    Great storytelling!
    What an interesting and well done podcast. Hope to hear more from Cristela and the rest of the Chicano Squad team.
  • Mr. Grill and Chill
    Chicano squad is must listen
    My wife and me are hooked. We need more stories of our Raza like this. Cristela Alonzo is a great narrator
  • Gospel G
    Sooo goood!!
    When’s the movie coming out?
  • Vs95121
    Amazing piece of history
    Thank you for sharing this piece of history; that will hopefully become more widely known! This needs to be made into a book, movie or tv program, something so the word can be spread even further👏🏼
  • z1g702
    More Latinx history needs to be told
    Incredible podcast. Great host.
  • mikaspaso
    Timely and captivating
    I loved this podcast and wished they do a documentary with it. It was perfect for today's time of police reform, diversity and equal rights. With some podcasts I tend to tune out after so long, listening during work or out in the yard, but this one kept my interest fully. The narrator's voice is perfect: clear, concise and she didn't drone on like other podcast narrators. I loved everything about it.
  • Iri_oz
    Pride and history
    This podcast has reinforced the importance of representation in all spaces. Without sharing this valuable information we would not be able to appreciate the contributions of our people. Having family and friends in law enforcement I feel the Chicano squad helped me understand why they have dedicated their lives to serve and protect the community. Great work!
  • SD Chicana
    Riveting!
    I appreciate the significant research and obvious investment of time and effort to make this a stellar podcast. I am sorry to say I knew nothing about the story but I am so glad I am learning! Thank you for shining a light on these issues and on the Chicano Squad. Cristela - it was so great to hear your passion for this story.
  • aprinamae
    Chicano Squad
    I absolutely love this podcast the storytelling was Awesome I need more podcast like these.
  • AKlonghorn
    Timely untold history
    This story is a compelling tale of Latino police excelling in difficult times of racial and ethnic unrest. I’m talking about 1977, not current day, but it seems so current. My uncle, Robert Martinez, was a decorated police officer in Austin, Texas. The Chicano Squad story is personal to me because I’m sure my late uncle endured many of the same difficulties faded by the squad. As a journalist, I was struck by the fairness given in telling the story. Well done! This is untold history given in an entertaining manner.
  • jackiesalvador
    Wow!
    This was such good story telling! The story was so compelling and everyone needs to hear it! Well done!!
  • Acinorev1979
    OMG!!!!
    I love this. Great story. Great story telling.
  • mattdaddy1970
    Learned something I didn’t know
    Loved the podcast. You said it was something no one knew about. Even though they finally were recognized in 2019, I still feel they never have gotten the respect. I felt kind of empty. Like Cecil said and it goes for a lot of employees, they just don’t care in the end. There should be a more extensive documentary about the squad. Hopefully that will be on the horizon
  • nau95grad
    Informative, Historical and Relevant!
    It’s amazing how much “US History” I’ve learn since graduating high school and college. Especially history about people of color. This podcast blew my mind! Please please please do another podcast like this again!
  • nikki8884
    Fantastic & Real
    Thank you so much for great storytelling on a subject that get very little attention. I had never heard of this even coming from a Tejano family. Unfortunately racism against Chicanos and Natives is rarely talked about. I really enjoyed this podcast!
  • Dogma502
    Wow
    This was of thee best podcast I’ve listened to in a while. I listen this X2 in a row. Absolutely great story and great job telling the story.
  • -b-real
    Dishonest host.
    This host is disgraceful. Total lack of respect for actual history. She just wants to push her own agenda disguised as “history”. She should be ashamed.
  • Kj sweet
    Listen!
    Amazing, tragic, heartbreaking, victorious. This story needed to be told and adds more perspective to our complicated world. Narrative is laid out well and storylines are engaging. History is important. For all of us.
  • AndyAndChi
    So important
    This story is so important to tell and shines a light on the hidden histories that have shaped and continue to shape our lives. Stories we never even knew existed but have resounding influences on the changes our society desperately needed and still needs. The world needs to hear and reflect on these histories. Thank You!
  • D_johnz
    Great historical info
    I’m enjoying this podcast very much. How can I get ahold of the theme song?
  • MiguelO'Hara
    These stories can change the world
    Best narrative I have listened to since I began listening to podcast. This should be a TV series especially as a docudrama. The best impact this makes is that it showcases a different facet of the the American identity. We are complex, diverse and valuable to American society. This type of content needs to be produced more.
  • La Nuit Owl
    Sooooo Goooooddd!!!
    Binged the entire thing on a work trip and hope there’s more to come!!!
  • ElOso6736
    A story I did not know.
    I grew up in Houston at this time and I never realized the the Chicano Squad existed. It was great podcast and must be listened to.
  • Sanchez.A
    I lived in Houston all my life and never knew
    All my life and not once had I ever heard this part of history. Cristel is not lying when she says she almost guarantees you’ve never heard this part of history before. It’s both enraging yet educational. I loved learning about the history of both my city and culture here!!
  • PostalI210
    Great podcast
    I truly enjoyed hearing all the stories. I could personally do without Ms. Cristela’s personal opinions...it’s an interesting story all by itself. The facts alone are compelling and had me glued to this podcast. Thanks for telling the story of the Chicano Squad.
  • mi manzanita chiquita
    Love it!
    As a Mexican American I find it hard to believe that cases and incidents like these don’t seem to make it to the mainstream national media. With the recent stereotyping of our people and the overall racism of all people of color we MUST be made aware of these incidents and injustices towards us. When they hurt one they hurt all!
  • North Iowan
    Great
    Great storytelling. Lots of great interviews. And, unlike a lot of podcasts that only claim they tell “the story you’ve never heard,” this one really delivered on that promise. They put a lot of work into this project, and it shows. It was great.
  • Daniela EP D.
    Fantastic podcast about Latinos and the amazing things they did.
    This podcast/story need to be made into a movie!
  • @bdahill
    Good story and well done overall but...
    As stated, had never heard this story and while the story telling is well done it is slanted very much anti cop. Of course what cops did in this story is horrible but blanket anti police rhetoric tinge this podcast
  • Isa Pereira
    1st Generation? More like 2nd.
    If you were born and raised in TX (USA) you are second generation. Let’s give credit to our immigrant parents for their contribution in re-establishing roots on our native land: first generation. ✊🏼
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