On November 1, 1808, he declared himself in favor of Mexico's independence from Spain, and along with a priest named Pablo José Calvillo and the indigenous garrisons of the region, put himself at the service of independence leader Miguel Hidalgo.
On November 1, 1808, he publicly supported Mexico's separation from Spain, and along with a priest named Pablo José Calvillo and the local native troops, pledged his allegiance to independence leader Miguel Hidalgo.