LOS ANGELES – Recent events in Los Angeles highlight a side of the city that authorities had hoped to keep hidden from the world. Images of tear gas clouds amid a mass of protesters on a blocked freeway, federal immigration agents conducting raids, and a heated exchange of words between President Donald Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom have circulated globally. Footage also captured set ablaze Waymo robotaxis and graffiti on a federal detention center, along with the sound of rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades echoing through the streets.
Mayor Karen Bass, who is striving to restore Los Angeles’s image following the deadly January wildfires and in anticipation of hosting the World Cup and 2028 Olympics, has been urging the community to clean up the city, promote greenery, and create murals to show off the best of what LA has to offer. “It’s about pride,” she insists, underscoring that Los Angeles is “the city of dreams.”
Yet, despite the efforts, a less favorable perspective of Los Angeles has surfaced. The protests, largely centered in a small portion of downtown within the sprawling city of four million, have painted an unfavorable picture. In response to Trump’s deployment of nearly 5,000 troops to address these protests, Bass has been vocal in countering claims of a city overtaken by chaos.
Bass has been clear in her skepticism regarding the President’s depiction of Los Angeles, stating concern over assertions of invasion by “illegal aliens and criminals,” and claims that violent mobs are threatening federal agents. She firmly refutes having witnessed any such activity.
The recent protests initiated outside a federal detention center, with demonstrators demanding the liberation of individuals detained by federal immigration officers. Advocates argue these detainees lack criminal records and are being denied basic rights.
Los Angeles, akin to New York, is a multicultural city home to numerous immigrants. Its official seal pays homage to its Spanish and Mexican heritage, while its school district supports students speaking over 150 languages. Approximately half the population is Latino, with about a third born outside the U.S.
Bass has accused the Trump administration of sowing instability by dispatching troops to suppress the protests, calling it a “chaotic escalation” that the city can do without. She warned against further raids, suggesting ongoing protests could escalate into regular riots.
The unfavorable publicity comes at an inopportune time for Los Angeles, as it prepares for global events. “Most host cities would normally be focusing on final preparations and demonstrating readiness to welcome international visitors,” stated Jules Boykoff, a professor and expert on mega-events. The current turmoil does little to encourage tourists to plan their trips to the U.S. for upcoming sporting events.
Mayor Bass is under mounting pressure amid political unease, as she also deals with a budget crisis following the wildfire aftermath. Although supportive of peaceful protests, she urges restraint to avoid escalation. Navigating these challenges while fending off criticisms from the President, who accuses her of incompetence and claims the city is overrun, presents a complex challenge for the mayor.
On the ground, city workers are busy removing debris, scrubbing graffiti, and addressing vandalism to downtown landmarks, still struggling with the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
As Trump and Californian authorities continue their disputes, further complicating matters, California officials remain defensive, denouncing presidential critique as unproductive. Jack Pitney, a political scientist, notes how prevailing perceptions are shaped by these crisis images, with currently dominant ones being dire.