In Los Angeles, a controversy has erupted over recent statements made by the vice mayor of Cudahy, a small city in Southern California. Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor, has faced backlash following her video post on social media, which has now been removed. In this video, she seemed to urge local street gangs to respond actively to immigration raids carried out by federal agents in the Los Angeles vicinity.
Gonzalez’s video referenced notorious street gangs, including “18th Street” and “Florence,” questioning their silence amid the immigration sweeps she described as encroachments on their territories. She posed a question to the gang members regarding their apparent inaction, stating, “You claim your turf, but now that it’s being overrun by the biggest gang, there is no sound from you,” while emphasizing that ordinary citizens were the ones openly protesting the operation of federal agents in their communities.
Her comments have triggered a critical response from the Department of Homeland Security, labeling them as “despicable” and suggesting they could incite violence against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Explicitly, the department condemned Gonzalez for her appeals to gangs like the 18th Street gang to engage in violence against federal law enforcement officers and cautioned that such acts would be met with full legal action.
Local law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, expressed grave concerns over Gonzalez’s remarks, demanding both her resignation and potential legal proceedings. According to them, her statements could endanger police officers and other law enforcement personnel by instigating criminal gang activities.
Despite requests for her comment, Gonzalez has not yet responded. The emergence of her video aligns with escalated immigration enforcement efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration around Los Angeles. Recent operations have seen ICE, Border Patrol, and even the National Guard and Marines in action, apprehending individuals in various locations.
Gonzalez’s sentiments, as expressed in the video, contrast sharply with calls from prominent California leaders, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who have stressed the importance of peaceful protest in exercising constitutional rights. Meanwhile, the central U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles County has withheld comments on whether any investigations into Gonzalez’s actions have commenced.
Cynthia Gonzalez, as outlined on the city’s website, originates from Huntington Park, a neighboring area, and has immigrant parents. As an educator, she has served the Los Angeles Unified School District in various capacities and currently facilitates support and innovation for pilot schools. Her academic accomplishments include two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her dedication to fostering safe and thriving communities is highlighted as a central aspect of her career.
The Los Angeles Unified School District responded by acknowledging Gonzalez’s situation, citing her current leave of absence but refrained from further comment due to privacy policies involving personnel matters.
The City of Cudahy issued a statement distancing itself from Gonzalez’s remarks, clarifying that her views are personal and not reflective of the city’s official stance. The municipality confirmed it would not provide additional comments on this issue.
Elected in 2022 with 880 votes, Gonzalez holds a nonpartisan position in Cudahy, a diverse suburb comprising predominantly Hispanic or Latino residents. This small community, located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, continues to grapple with the implications of her controversial comments.