Unpacking Spanish-Language Misinformation About Los Angeles Protests: Understanding the Recurring Narratives

Many misleading posts about the recent protests in Los Angeles have popped up on social media. Most of these posts, shared in Spanish, link the protests to socialism or communism. One popular post claims that immigration protest groups in the U.S. are connected to “the Venezuelan mafia” and other left-wing organizations. However, it lacks evidence to back these claims.

This situation mirrors the misinformation seen during the George Floyd protests in 2020. As tensions rise over immigration policies under previous administrations, protests against immigration raids have erupted in various cities, leading to chaotic scenes. Some far-left groups have indeed incited violence, but the barrage of misleading posts seems aimed at discrediting the protests. These posts often promote support for conservative figures like Donald Trump.

Evelyn Pérez-Verdía, president of We Are Más, observes a notable rise in false information since the protests began. She points out that while misinformation used to be hidden in encrypted places like Telegram, it now spreads widely on mainstream platforms.

The misrepresentation of these protests taps into long-standing conspiracies, suggesting they are orchestrated by leftist governments rather than being genuine public outcries. In fact, Trump has called protesters “Paid Insurrectionists!” on his social media platform.

Local leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have been unjustly targeted in this wave of misinformation. One outrageous example involves a digitally altered image falsely placing Bass alongside Fidel Castro, misrepresenting her past travels to Cuba. Though she did visit Cuba in the 1970s, the context of those trips is often ignored in these discussions.

Pérez-Verdía notes an alarming divide in how misinformation circulates in English versus Spanish. Spanish-language narratives often focus on elected officials and paint them as extreme leftists. This targeted approach can intensify the spread of misinformation, manifesting in various deceptive posts and videos, sometimes leading to misguided accusations even reaching federal attention.

For instance, a video falsely claiming that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum encouraged the protests went viral on certain conservative platforms. She responded firmly, asserting her disapproval of violence. Unfortunately, misinformation like this can generate significant political fallout, fueling distrust across borders.

According to Darren Linvill, a media expert at Clemson University, deceptive accounts in Spanish are rising. He explains that social media platforms tend to focus more on English accounts, leaving Spanish accounts largely unchecked. The involvement of marketing firms that create fake accounts for political gain has also surged.

Linvill warns that this spread of misinformation contributes to growing partisanship and a fracture in public consensus. Without a shared reality, it becomes increasingly challenging to navigate discussions or reach agreements.

In summary, the combination of social media, misinformation, and political agendas creates a perfect storm for skewed narratives. To counter this, it is vital to prioritize accurate information and encourage healthy dialogue.



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