A local politician in Los Angeles County has sparked outrage with a video encouraging gang members to defend their neighborhoods from federal immigration raids.
The video was posted on TikTok by Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez, who also serves as the Legislative Action Committee Chair for the Association of California School Administrators. She has since removed the video, but you can watch it here.
“Not for nothing, but I want to know where all the cholos are at. 18th Street, Florencia, where’s the leadership at?” asked Gonzalez, referring to two of L.A.’s most prolific and deadly gangs.
“Now that your hood’s being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain’t a peep out of you. It’s everyone else who’s not about that gang life that’s out there speaking up. We’re out there, like, fighting our turf — protecting our turf, protecting our people. And it’s like, where you at?”
Gonzalez ended the video with this appeal: “Whoever’s the leadership over there, just f—ing get your members in order.”
Fox L.A. reports that the FBI visited Gonzalez’s home Tuesday, and that she is currently under investigation.
The union that represents L.A. police officers has called for her resignation.
In a statement, the City of Cudahy said Gonzalez’s comments “reflect her personal views and do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy.”
The Department of Homeland Security accused Gonzalez of encouraging gang members “to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement.”
Her attorney disputes that characterization, saying she was merely calling on the entire Latino community to “join the thousands of Angelenos already peacefully organizing in response to ongoing enforcement actions.”
“Importantly, Dr. Gonzalez in no way encouraged anyone to engage in violence,” the statement from her attorney said.
Again, we encourage you to watch the video for yourself.