LOS ANGELES (AP) – Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, a small city in Southern California, is facing backlash for remarks she made in a now-deleted social media video. In the post, she appeared to provoke street gangs in response to ongoing immigration enforcement actions by federal agents in and around Los Angeles. Gonzalez specifically mentioned two notorious street gangs, "18th Street" and "Florence," questioning their silence amidst the heightened presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
In her video, Gonzalez challenged gang members, asserting that while they often claim territory and mark their neighborhoods, they were strangely quiet as their community faced what she referred to as an invasion by “the biggest gang there is.” She expressed her frustration that ordinary citizens were the ones actively protesting ICE's actions, while gang members were not equally responsive to the situation. "We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?” she said in the video.
The Department of Homeland Security condemned Gonzalez’s comments, labeling them "despicable." They claimed her remarks might incite violence against federal agents. The department stated that her appeal to criminal gangs could lead to increased assaults on ICE personnel. Secretary Noem emphasized that anyone who assaults a federal officer would face severe legal consequences. Additionally, the police union in Los Angeles called for Gonzalez’s resignation and potential prosecution, stating her incitement put police officers at greater risk and was "potentially illegal."
As the Trump administration ramped up immigration arrests in Los Angeles, with visible ICE and Border Patrol activities including workplace detentions, Gonzalez’s comments starkly contrast with the stance of other California officials. Leaders such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have encouraged peaceful protests and the exercise of First Amendment rights in response to the federal immigration tactics.
Gonzalez did not respond to requests for comment regarding the situation. The controversy emerged amid a backdrop of escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the area. Reports indicate that federal agents have recently intensified their presence, further complicating local dynamics.
According to her biography on the Cudahy city website, Cynthia Gonzalez, who grew up in Huntington Park, is a daughter of immigrant parents and has two daughters. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has attained two master’s degrees in education from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also earned a doctorate in educational leadership. Gonzalez has served in various educational roles, including as a teacher and principal and currently works as the director of pilot schools support and innovation within the Los Angeles Unified School District.
The school district acknowledged that Gonzalez has been on a leave of absence since June 1, 2025, and noted that they are reviewing the situation in accordance with district policy, although confidentiality constraints prevent further comments. Meanwhile, the city of Cudahy officially stated that Gonzalez's remarks were reflective of her personal views and did not represent the city's position, opting not to elaborate further on the matter.
Gonzalez was elected to her position in 2022, securing 880 votes, and it is worth noting that municipal elections in California do not have party labels on ballots. Cudahy, a small suburb situated about 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, has a population of approximately 22,000 residents, with 97% of them identifying as Hispanic or Latino, according to U.S. Census data.
