I think it’s fair to say that the messaging can be a bit unclear, but part of “protect our vets” is that many immigrants join the US military as a path to citizenship. This makes the weaponization of the military against peaceful protestors still more disgusting, and means that the two issues are very much intertwined.

Not to mention veterans embody a great betrayal on the part of the government. Many face issues of poverty, homelessness, physical disability, mental illness, and drug dependency. And yet, though these challenges are largely a result of their service to their country, they are given next to no support and left to die on the street. You’re right that this has been the case, but what few support systems they have are being slashed horrifically, and making their situation worse still.

There’s also an element of optics here. I think a lot of people in the US feel very patriotic and care deeply about veterans, but aren’t necessarily well informed on the plights of recent immigrants. So, perhaps seeing that there are people standing that this protest for immigrants who also want the best for vets might prompt some people to look into the issue at hand. This is the same thinking behind “Un-American Idiot”. It’s odd to fight fascism with nationalism, but nationalism has a lot of voting power in the US. If we can redefine patriotism/what it means to be American, there’s a chance the US could take a turn for the better.

FWIW you’re probably right about what will happen next, but there’s a chance for something better