ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids in Los Angeles against illegal immigrants have led to violent demonstrations. The Mexico Flag has become the identifying symbol of these protests. Masked rioters on bikes waving Mexican flags have become the definitive feature of the protests that began as resistance against deportation of illegal immigrants.
I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that.
— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 10, 2025
This is anarchy and true chaos.
My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/pPYbvP6xR0
After two days of protests, President Trump sent in troops from the California National Guard as a security measure. US Marines have also been deployed since then. The Insurrection Act has not yet been invoked so far.
I'm not sure a shirtless man of fighting age in military fatigue pants holding aloft a Mexican flag next to burning cars on the streets of LA in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is the look Democrats want to get behind here. 🙄pic.twitter.com/IH7Wd8sLtR
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) June 9, 2025
Visuals of violent protesters hurling bricks at Police vehicles, raising Mexican flags above flaming damaged vehicles have raised concerns among citizens.
In another video posted on X, a group of people were seen abusing and burning American Flags.
Leftist rioter burns American flag in LA.
— Leftism (@LeftismForU) June 9, 2025
"My Mexican flag. Green, white, and red! That's my flag! Not this flag. Fúck this flag!
I pledge allegiance to Mexico. Nobody else. Not this country." pic.twitter.com/jeDZHmb9JP
Some people were found setting fences on fire and burning properties.
So, if Mexicans love Mexico so much that they burn American property and fly the Mexican flag, why did they come here again??
— Lone Star American (@MadDog_TX) June 8, 2025
Deport them!
pic.twitter.com/8ALd6JrfiY
However, California Governor Gavin Newsom had requested the President on Sunday to take back the troops. He said the deployment of troops was unlawful. He urged President Trump to return the command of the National Guard back to the state.
Meanwhile, Trump posted on Truth Social that Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles. He said that they have done a horrible job.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2025
FBI director Kash Patel called the rioters as marauding criminals in his post on X and that the FBI needs no one’s permission to enforce the constitution.
Just so we are clear, this FBI needs no one’s permission to enforce the constitution. My responsibility is to the American people, not political punch lines. LA is under siege by marauding criminals, and we will restore law and order. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) June 9, 2025
He said, “Just so we are clear, this FBI needs no one’s permission to enforce the constitution. My responsibility is to the American people, not political punch lines. LA is under siege by Marauding criminals, and we will restore law and order. I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.”
However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that migrants are not criminals. She said in a speech “Mexicans living in the United States are good men and women, honest people who went to the United States to seek a better life for themselves and to support their families. They are not criminals! They are good men and women!”
