How the Mexican Flag Transformed into a Powerful Symbol of Protest

On a recent Sunday morning, Elizabeth Torres, 36, proudly waved a Mexican flag outside a detention center in downtown Los Angeles. “I am a very proud American,” she shared, noting that her grandparents immigrated to the United States. “But I also have to support our Mexican brothers and sisters.”

During the protests that weekend, flags from Mexico and other Latin American countries became prominent symbols. This sparked anger among officials in the Trump administration, who labeled those waving flags as insurrectionists and questioned their U.S. citizenship. Stephen Miller, a senior White House adviser, even referred to them as “foreign nationals” in a social media post.

For many protesters, these flags represent pride in their heritage and a show of solidarity with immigrants facing deportation. Chris Zepeda-Millán, a Chicano studies professor at UCLA, emphasized that many flag-wavers are U.S. citizens aware of the racial implications behind the attacks on immigrants. He stated, “They understand the attacks but aren’t ashamed of their roots.”

On Saturday in Paramount, Eric Torres, 30, waved a Mexican flag in front of riot-equipped deputies. Dressed in a baggy outfit typical of Chicano culture, he expressed his intent: “I came out here to support my people and show them where we came from. My parents are immigrants, and I want to show our love.”

The flying of foreign flags at immigration protests isn’t a new phenomenon. In Los Angeles, protesters have also displayed American flags and even fusions of the American flag with those from other countries. Historically, some immigrant groups have discouraged waving foreign flags to avoid fueling anti-immigrant sentiments. However, Alfonso Gonzales Toribio, an ethnic studies professor at UC Riverside, notes that immigrants today “feel attacked,” making it unlikely they will stop waving their homeland’s flag. “It gives people a sense of pride,” he added.

In recent years, public sentiment has shifted dramatically regarding immigration. According to a 2022 Pew Research survey, 60% of Americans support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. This highlights the growing awareness and acceptance of immigrant rights. Social media also reflects this trend, with hashtags like #ImmigrantsAreUs gaining traction, as many share personal stories of their immigrant experiences.

The act of waving flags at protests, whether American or foreign, thus represents more than just national identity. It symbolizes a fight for recognition, dignity, and belonging. For many, it is a statement—one that asserts their right to be proud of their heritage while being fully American.



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