Occupation of Catalina Island
The Occupation of Catalina Island began on August 30, 1972, when the Brown Berets, a Chicano-rights organization, occupied Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles, for three weeks. The Berets, led by their "Prime Minister" David Sanchez, claimed the territory rightfully belonged to Mexico and demanded that its 42,000 acres of undeveloped land be developed into housing.
Members of the Brown Berets in formation, 1972
The Brown Berets is a pro-Chicano paramilitary organization that emerged during the Chicano Movement in the late 1960s. David Sanchez and Carlos Montes co-founded the group modeled after the Black Panther Party. The Brown Berets was part of the Third World Liberation Front. It worked for educational reform, farmworkers' rights, and against police brutality and the Vietnam War. It also sought to separate the American Southwest from the control of the United States government.
Civil rights activist Cesar Chavez, flanked by Brown Berets, at a 1971 rally during the Chicano movement
Four Brown Berets leaders: Fred Lopez, David Sanchez, Carlos Montes, and Ralph Ramirez in Los Angeles, California, 1968
Founding co-editor of La Raza Ruth Robinson (right) with Margarita Sanchez (left) at the Belmont High School walkout, 1968
Brown Beret in Fresno, California for No on Prop 187 (1994)
