The green, white, and red stripes of the Mexican flag have become a potent symbol of resistance in protests that erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend in opposition to the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
Images and videos circulating widely online and in news coverage show demonstrators waving the Mexican flag amid fiery scenes and heavily armed law enforcement, sparking outrage among prominent Trump officials.
One viral photo shows a masked protester on a dirt bike circling a burning vehicle while holding the flag.
Vice President J.D. Vance condemned the protests on X (formerly Twitter), accusing demonstrators of attacking immigration officers and criticizing political leaders who oppose stricter border enforcement.
Trump advisor Stephen Miller went further, labeling the protests an “insurrection” and asserting that the presence of foreign flags signals that “Los Angeles is occupied territory.”
Thousands of Angelenos—many from immigrant backgrounds—rallied against ICE raids that began Friday, resulting in around 40 arrests.
In response, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to L.A., with the possibility of sending in hundreds of Marines. The White House said the troops would remain for 60 days or until Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ends the operation. Trump declared on Truth Social that federal forces would “liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion.”
Local leaders pushed back. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass blamed the federal troop presence for escalating tensions, while California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to sue the federal government for violating state authority.
Unlike past immigration protests where American flags were used to affirm allegiance to U.S. values, these demonstrations prominently feature Mexican and other Latin American flags, including hybrid flags blending U.S. and Mexican symbols.
This shift has sparked debate. Critics argue the imagery could alienate potential allies, with some Latino commentators urging young protesters to reconsider.
Others defend the symbolism, describing it as a bold act of solidarity against federal overreach.
Mexico’s government confirmed that 42 of its nationals were detained during the L.A. raids—four of whom have already been deported. Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente said consular officials would continue monitoring detainees. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged Mexican nationals in the U.S. to remain peaceful and avoid provocation, while stopping short of calling for an end to the protests.
