California Was Never The ‘Homeland’ Of Mexican Invaders

 The article discusses the ongoing debate about California and the Southwest being regarded as a Mexican 'homeland. ' This notion has been thrust into the spotlight amid recent events, with claims from Mexican officials and discussions surrounding immigration and territorial rights.

1. Recent Riots and Symbolism:

• Riots in Los Angeles have seen the Mexican flag utilized as a symbol of protest against the Trump administration's actions.

• While some interpret this as pride in heritage, others view it as a sign of conquest.

2. Gerardo Fernández Noroña's Assertion:

• The Mexican Senate president, Noroña, claims that territories formerly controlled by Mexico rightfully belong to Mexicans and challenges U. S. claims to these areas.

• He cites historical maps showing the extent of Mexican territories in the early 1800s and argues that the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ceded land to the U. S., did not respect the rights of the people there.

3. Population and Territory Argument:

• The article counters Noroña's claim by noting that the Mexican population in these territories was minimal compared to indigenous peoples.

• In the 1820s, the population of Alta California was about 3,000, while the total population of Mexico was significantly larger.

4. Historical Context:

• The argument is dismissed by recalling that the American Southwest, including California, wasn't integral to Mexico prior to the Mexican-American War.

• Once Mexico lost the war in 1848, the claim to the land ceased to exist, legally and morally.

5. Historical Ownership:

• The article critiques the notion of continued claims based on historical ownership.

• It highlights that many territories have shifted hands throughout history, making a case for who the rightful owners are a complicated and futile exercise.

6. Consequences of War:

• It is emphasized that wars have consequences, like territorial losses, and that Mexico's inability to maintain order in its northern territories impacted its claims to the land.

7. Current Ownership and Defense:

• The article concludes that California, having been legally part of the U. S. since 1848, belongs to the United States, and the present-day residents have the right to defend its sovereignty.

The article asserts that the idea of California as a Mexican homeland is historically flawed. It argues that population numbers, historical context, and the consequences of the Mexican-American War support the United States' current claim to the territory. 

https://thefederalist.com/2025/06/12/california-never-the-homeland-of-mexican-invaders/