- विज्ञापन -
Los Angeles [US]: In Los Angeles, the Mexican flag — with its green, white, and red colors — has become a prominent symbol in ongoing immigration protests, according to CNN. Protesters have been waving the Mexican flag alongside those of other Latin American nations and the United States to show solidarity with immigrants and oppose recent federal immigration raids. The protests, which started on Friday after ICE conducted raids in the garment district, began peacefully but have since escalated to arrests and violent clashes.
The deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and Marines by President Donald Trump has sparked backlash, especially from Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the move an “illegal takeover” and an abuse of power. The Mexican flag has historically been a powerful symbol in Los Angeles protests, which reflects the city’s large Mexican community—over 3.4 million residents of Mexican heritage in LA County alone.
Some conservative leaders have criticized the prominence of the flag, with Vice President JD Vance accusing protesters with foreign flags of attacking law enforcement, and Senator Markwayne Mullin labeling the protests as involving “illegals.” The Department of Homeland Security shared images depicting clashes with police, with some officials describing the protesters as “foreign nationals” who are obstructing federal law enforcement.
Despite criticism, many supporters and experts defend the use of the flag as a symbol of community and pride. UCLA professor Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda pointed out that demonizing the flag is a tactic often used by the Trump administration, noting that the symbol has been associated with protests dating back to the 1990s, especially against Proposition 187. He emphasized that most demonstrators are likely Americans, and protesting with the Mexican flag is a sign of cultural pride, not disloyalty.
However, some critics argue that displaying the Mexican flag shifts the focus from constitutional rights and due process to questions of loyalty and cultural identity, with Republican figures like Mike Madrid expressing concern about the symbolism. Yet, others see it as a demonstration of community pride and family connection. Antonio Rodriguez of the Brown Berets stated that waving the Mexican flag is a way to honor culture and family, not un-American sentiment.
