07 November 2025

Statue of Liberty Puerto Rico Flag - 1977

Puerto Rican Series

Google AI

In 1977, Puerto Rican nationalists occupied the Statue of Liberty, draping the Puerto Rican flag from the crown as a political statement protesting the U.S. territorial status of Puerto Rico. This act, which lasted eight hours, was meant to highlight the hypocrisy of the U.S. promoting freedom while denying political representation to Puerto Ricans. A 2000 protest also involved placing a flag on the statue. 

1977 Occupation

Who: 

A group of about 30 Puerto Rican nationalists, including members of groups like the Young Lords Organization, under the name Committee to Free the Five Puerto Rican Nationalists. 

What: 

They took over the statue, draped a Puerto Rican flag from its crown, and placed a banner calling for independence across its pedestal. 

Why: 

They aimed to draw international attention to Puerto Rico's political situation and challenge the U.S.'s claim of being a beacon of freedom, especially in light of Puerto Rico's lack of political representation. 

Outcome: 

The group was arrested by federal authorities after a day-long standoff. 







Luis Raúl Muñoz – Young Lords mural, 2019
Chicago’s Humboldt Park

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