On August 22, 1942, 22 Mexican American men and women were arrested for the murder of José Gallardo Díaz. People v. Zammora wrongfully convicted 12 defendants, who were set free a year later. Newspapers featured these pictures in newspapers as zoot suit wearing, gang members, bringing violence to America.
Images like these helped create and intensify anti-Mexican hysteria and policing.
Photo sources:
Police line-up, male gang members. 1942. Herald-Examiner Collection Los Angeles Public Library, California.
Police line-up, women gang members. 1942. Herald-Examiner Collection Los Angeles Public Library, California.
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