LA anti-ICE protest organizers hand out American flags to agitators to dispel bad optics of waving foreign flags

American flags have reportedly beed handed out at protests in Los Angeles after demonstrators came under scrutiny for displaying Mexican flags while voicing opposition to federal deportation efforts. Critics noted that the same people demanding illegal immigrants be permitted to stay in America were advocating for foreign nations.

As protests continued in downtown LA and other areas against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, criticism has mounted over the optics of demonstrators waving flags of a foreign nation while opposing the deportation of illegal immigrants. The optics of Mexican flags has drawn backlash from conservatives, who argue that illegal immigrants waving the flag of the country they refuse to return to should perhaps just go home.

In response, organizers have begun distributing American flags to demonstrators. Videos posted to social media show protesters holding brand-new American flags, with some individuals stating on camera that they were given the flags by others at the protest.

A post on the subreddit r/LosAngeles read, “mainstream media is trying to create the optic that foreigners are invading and recent videos are fueling that perception. If you’re protesting, bring a US flag; tell others to do so too.”

The shift in flag display comes as similar protests are planned elsewhere in the state. A demonstration scheduled in San Diego for June 14, called the “No Kings, No Clowns” march against President Donald Trump. Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring American flags and that action is being undertaken in cities across the US. The event listing on the Take Action San Diego website includes the flag as one of the items protesters should carry, also noting that the event takes place on Flag Day.

As protesters continue to riot in the streets of Los Angeles, law enforcement has continued to make arrests in order to establish peace. The LA police department has arrested nearly 200 individuals following the declaration of an unlawful assembly in the downtown area. On Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass established a mandatory curfew effective from 8 pm to 6 am local time.