CUDAHY, CALIFORNIA — Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, a small Southern California city, is facing backlash after posting a controversial video on social media that appeared to call on street gangs to organize and protest against immigration sweeps by federal agents in the Los Angeles area.
The video, which has since been deleted, featured Gonzalez referencing two notorious street gangs — 18th Street and Florence — and questioning why gang members had not protested or taken action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids happening in the area.
The Controversial Comments
In the video, Gonzalez said, “You guys tag 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.” She went on to reference ICE agents as “running amok” in the streets and urged gang members to defend their neighborhoods.
“We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?” Gonzalez said in the video, addressing the gang members.
These comments have sparked outrage from various groups, including law enforcement and federal agencies.
Federal and Law Enforcement Reactions
The Department of Homeland Security condemned Gonzalez’s remarks as “despicable,” claiming that they could contribute to increased assaults against federal ICE agents. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the department stated that Gonzalez’s call for violence against federal officers was unacceptable.
“Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the department said.
The Los Angeles Police Protective League, which represents the Los Angeles Police Department, also called for Gonzalez’s resignation and even suggested she should face prosecution.
“What Ms. Gonzalez urged and taunted these specific gangs to do in her social media post puts police officers and other law enforcement professionals at greater risk,” the union said. “Her actions are deplorable and potentially illegal. She should resign and she should be prosecuted if what she called for broke the law.”
Gonzalez’s Background and Public Role
Gonzalez, who grew up in Huntington Park and has deep ties to the Los Angeles area, is currently on a leave of absence from her position with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where she has worked as a teacher and principal. She holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership from UCLA.
Despite her educational achievements and focus on creating healthy communities, Gonzalez’s recent comments have put her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. She has not yet publicly commented on the controversy since her video was removed.
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Reactions from the City of Cudahy
The city of Cudahy, a small suburb of Los Angeles with a predominantly Hispanic population, has distanced itself from Gonzalez’s remarks.
In a statement, the city clarified that the comments made in the video reflected Gonzalez’s personal views and not those of the city itself.
“The City will not be providing further comment,” the statement read. Gonzalez was elected as vice mayor in 2022, receiving 880 votes in the nonpartisan municipal election.
Immigration Raids and Tensions
The video surfaced as President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified immigration arrests in the Los Angeles area in recent weeks. Federal agents from ICE and Border Patrol have been conducting raids, detaining individuals at their workplaces and public spaces.
This has sparked protests and debates about the role of immigration enforcement and the rights of undocumented individuals.
Gonzalez’s comments are a stark contrast to the stance taken by California officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who have advocated for peaceful protests and the exercise of First Amendment rights in the face of these federal operations.
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Possible Investigations and Future Actions
As of now, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has declined to comment on whether Gonzalez is under investigation. However, given the nature of her remarks and the calls for violent action, further scrutiny and potential legal consequences may follow.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Gonzalez’s remarks were irresponsible, or was she simply expressing frustration with immigration enforcement? How should officials address the growing tensions between federal immigration policies and local communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
