The deputy mayor of a small Southern California city is under criticism for appearing to encourage street gangs to organise in the face of federal immigration raids in and around Los Angeles.
Cynthia Gonzalez, Cudahy’s vice mayor, said in a now-deleted social media video post, “I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles.”
“You guys are always tagging everything up, claiming hood, and now that your hood’s being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain’t a peep out of you,” Gonzalez told the crowd.
She also mentioned “18th Street” and “Florence,” two infamous street gangs, and wondered why gang members weren’t protesting or speaking out about the immigration sweeps.
“We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?” She said.
The video appeared to show Gonzalez urging gang leaders to “help out and organise” as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies join the Trump administration’s increased enforcement of immigration rules.
The Department of Homeland Security described Gonzalez’s remarks as “despicable.”
“She calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th street gang — to commit violence against our brave U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement,” the department stated in a post on X that contained Gonzalez’ video. “This type of crap has resulted in a more than 500% spike in assaults on our US Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement agents. Secretary Noem has made it clear: “If you assault a federal official, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The city of Cudahy confirmed Tuesday that it was aware of the footage.
“The comments made by the Vice Mayor reflect her personal views and do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy,” according to a statement. “The City will not be providing further comment.”
Cudahy is a Los Angeles suburb of 22,000 people located around 10 miles (16.09 km) south of downtown LA. According to the United States Census, 97% of residents are of Hispanic origin.
