Mexico's flag features prominently in protests. What does it symbolize?
Since the start of the protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency's crackdowns in Los Angeles, one common sight in images circulated widely on social media is that of the red, white and green Mexican flag.
Protesters have embraced the flag as a symbol of cultural pride and a repudiation of anti-immigrant policies against the backdrop of National Guard and Marines deployed to the city by President Donald Trump.
On June 13, hundreds of Marines arrived in Los Angeles after an appeals court allowed Trump to maintain control of the National Guard troops ordered into the city. A federal judge had ruled the deployment unlawful and ordered control of the National Guard troops back to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
What does the Mexican flag mean?
Adopted in its current form in September 1968, the Mexican flag blends its indigenous roots with its modern identity. The coat of arms of Mexico − a golden eagle perched atop a prickly pear cactus, devouring a fanged serpent − contrasts sharply on a white field flanked by green and red stripes.
But what do these symbols mean? Here's a brief tour of the Mexican flag.
Reactions to the flag's use
Protesters have embraced the flag to reassert Mexican American identity, while some conservatives have used protest images featuring the Mexican flag to frame the demonstration with anti-American messaging.
"Look at all the foreign flags," White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Los Angeles is occupied territory."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned any violence stemming from the protests during at a news conference June 9 in Mexico City.
"It must be clear: We condemn violence wherever it comes from," Sheinbaum said. "We call on the Mexican community to act peacefully and not fall for provocations."
Contributing: Reuters