A significant wave of false and misleading content regarding the recent Los Angeles protests has spread across social media, particularly among Spanish-speaking Latinos. Many posts attempt to link the protesters to socialist or communist influences, with a viral claim on X suggesting ties between U.S. immigration protest groups and “the Venezuelan mafia,” the Cuban Communist Party, and Mexico’s Morena Party. These assertions lack evidence and echo misinformation from previous protests, such as those following George Floyd’s death.
Scenes of tumultuous protests against immigration raids under President Trump’s administration have been widely shared, including dramatic encounters with law enforcement. While certain far-left groups have condoned violence, the proliferation of this disinformation seems aimed at connecting these protests to leftist Latin American governments, often in support of Trump’s policies. Evelyn Pérez-Verdía, president of We Are Más, highlighted a notable increase in misinformation, particularly in Spanish, focusing on elected officials like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whom the posts label as linked to communism.
Additionally, fake images, such as one featuring Bass with Fidel Castro, enhance these narratives. Spanish-language misinformation varies from English narratives, often exaggerating threats of extreme leftism. Reports of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum being accused of inciting violence during the protests exemplify how such misinformation can influence federal discourse. Experts note that Spanish-language disinformation is more pervasive, partly due to under-regulated platform practices. The phenomenon disrupts shared realities, fostering partisanship and distrust, ultimately undermining societal cohesion and governance capabilities.
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