False and misleading posts concerning the Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids have proliferated on social media, particularly within Latino communities in Spanish. Many claim the protests are linked to socialist or communist regimes, including the Venezuelan mafia and Cuba’s Communist Party. One viral post on X alleges connections to these entities without evidence. This narrative echoes similar inaccuracies from past protests, such as those following George Floyd’s death.
The protests, fueled by President Trump’s hard-line immigration policies, have included violent encounters with law enforcement, capturing widespread attention online. While some far-left groups endorse violence, the majority of misleading posts seem aimed at discrediting the protests while supporting Trump’s stance. Evelyn Pérez-Verdía, president of We Are Más, remarked on the increase in overt misinformation compared to prior years, which often circulated in more obscure platforms.
Misinformation has targeted political figures, notably Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, linking them to communism. A circulating fake image of Bass with Fidel Castro illustrates this tactic. While Bass has historical ties to Cuba, the fraudulent representation misleads the public regarding her connections.
The Spanish-language misinformation is notably distinct from English content, suggesting active campaigns tailored to different communities. Some claims have even reached federal officials, misrepresenting the role of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in the protests. She has denied any encouragement of violence, asserting that the allegations are baseless.
Darren Linvill, a Clemson University professor, notes that the prevalence of fake Spanish accounts can be attributed to advanced marketing tactics and inadequate identification of such accounts on social media. This misinformation not only fosters distrust but also complicates efforts toward societal consensus and governance.
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