Latinos increasingly drawn to far-right extremist ideologies.

The idea of a white supremacist who is a person of color may seem inherently contradictory, but recent years have seen the emergence of such individuals, challenging our traditional understanding of racial and political identities. Among the most notable examples are individuals like Enrique Tarrio, the Afro-Latino leader of the far-right extremist group, the Proud Boys, and more recently, a Latino mass shooter with neo-Nazi sympathies. These men are part of a small but growing number of Latinos in the U.S. who have been drawn toward far-right ideologies, embracing radical views on race, Christian nationalism, and immigration.

This unsettling trend has prompted much reflection on the complexity of racial and political identities in the U.S. For decades, Latinos have been viewed as a largely progressive voting bloc, associated with support for immigration reform, racial justice, and other liberal causes. However, the reality is far more complex. As journalist Paola Ramos explores in her new book, Defectors, there is a growing faction within the Latino community that is gravitating toward the far-right, embracing views that range from Christian nationalism to white supremacy.

In Defectors, Ramos, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, uncovers this radical shift by conducting interviews, providing historical context, and engaging with experts. Through her research, she sheds light on how and why certain Latinos are embracing ideologies that seem to run counter to their own ethnic backgrounds. The book challenges the long-held belief that Latinos are a political monolith, and instead highlights the diverse political opinions within the community, even including those aligned with white nationalism.

One key takeaway from Ramos’ work is the understanding that this rightward drift among certain Latinos is not an entirely new phenomenon, but one that has gained more visibility in recent years due to increased polarization and the rise of far-right movements globally. Ramos explains that these individuals often find themselves drawn to the far right for various reasons, including disillusionment with mainstream political parties, economic insecurity, or personal beliefs that align more closely with Christian nationalism or anti-immigrant sentiments than with progressive causes. While they are still a minority within the Latino population, their influence has grown as they have become more organized and visible.

Ramos’ research highlights how these “defectors” are often drawn to far-right ideologies by figures like former President Donald Trump, who championed a nationalist agenda that resonated with some Latinos. For instance, Trump’s hardline stance on immigration, often framed as a fight to preserve national security and American values, appealed to some Latinos who hold more conservative views on immigration or have fears of crime and economic competition. Some Latinos, especially those born in the U.S., feel disconnected from recent immigrants and adopt the belief that strict immigration policies are necessary to protect their own interests.

Furthermore, Ramos’ book delves into the ways in which online radicalization has played a significant role in drawing Latinos toward white nationalist and far-right ideologies. Just as social media has been instrumental in spreading misinformation and radicalizing individuals in other groups, it has had a similar effect on some Latinos. Online forums and platforms have become breeding grounds for extremist views, with some Latinos finding solace in communities that advocate for xenophobic or racist ideologies. This online ecosystem has blurred the lines of racial identity, allowing some Latinos to adopt ideas historically associated with white supremacy.

To further explore this complex shift, on Thursday, October 10, at 3 p.m. ET, Paola Ramos will be joined by two other experts—political scientist Eduardo Gamarra and former FBI special agent Michael German—in a discussion on the rise of far-right ideologies among Latinos. The conversation, moderated by Mireya Navarro, editor in chief of Brennan en español, will delve into the factors driving this rightward shift and its implications for both the Latino electorate and the broader American political landscape.

Eduardo Gamarra, who has extensively studied the political behavior of Latino communities, has noted that while Latinos have historically leaned left, the community is far from homogenous. He points out that Latinos come from a range of backgrounds—geographically, culturally, and politically—which leads to varying perspectives on key issues such as immigration, religion, and economic policy. This diversity of opinion creates room for individuals to adopt far-right ideologies, particularly in an era where identity politics play such a crucial role in American society.

Michael German, a former FBI special agent who has investigated domestic terrorism and white supremacist groups, brings an important perspective to the discussion by focusing on the security threats posed by radicalized individuals, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. German highlights how extremist groups like the Proud Boys and other far-right organizations have strategically recruited individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds to broaden their appeal and to deflect accusations of racism. By including people of color in their ranks, these groups attempt to create a veneer of inclusivity while maintaining deeply racist and xenophobic ideologies at their core.

This conversation is especially timely as Latinos are becoming an increasingly important voting bloc in U.S. elections. While the majority of Latinos continue to lean left politically, the presence of far-right elements within the community cannot be ignored. This growing diversity of opinion poses both challenges and opportunities for political parties and candidates who seek to engage Latino voters. As Ramos argues, political campaigns must move beyond simplistic assumptions about the Latino electorate and instead acknowledge the nuances and complexities within the community.

For political parties, the challenge is to address the concerns of Latino voters without alienating the more progressive factions or emboldening the far-right elements. As Ramos, Gamarra, and German will likely discuss, this balancing act requires a deep understanding of the diverse motivations that drive Latino voters, including those who have defected to the far right.

Ultimately, Defectors offers a powerful wake-up call for anyone who assumes that race or ethnicity automatically determines political allegiance. The rise of white supremacist Latinos and other far-right elements within the community illustrates the fluidity of political identities in America today. As the U.S. continues to grapple with issues of race, immigration, and nationalism, understanding the motivations behind these “defectors” is crucial to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to their radicalization. Through this upcoming discussion, Paola Ramos and her fellow experts will shed further light on these complex dynamics, offering valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and citizens alike.

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