### California Vice Mayor Sparks Controversy by Appearing to Call on Gangs to Intervene in ICE Raids Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California, has ignited significant backlash after a now-deleted social media video in which she seemingly urged local street gangs to take action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In her remarks, she referenced well-known gangs, questioning their silence during these federal immigration sweeps. This incident has raised concerns about the implications of her statements and the potential for an FBI investigation into her actions, as they may be interpreted as inciting violence or criminal activity against federal agents [https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/california-lawmaker-slammed-appearing-call-1228989][https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/24/us-news/fbi-probing-la-county-politician-who-urged-gangbangers-to-protect-our-turf-from-ice-report]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **The Video and Its Content**: - Cynthia Gonzalez posted a video on social media that has since been removed, in which she appeared to call on local gangs, specifically mentioning the 18th Street and Florencia 13 gangs, to "organize" against ICE raids [https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-24/cudahy-vice-mayor-video-seems-to-call-on-gangs-to-defy-ice]. 2. **Public and Political Backlash**: - The video has drawn widespread criticism from various political figures and community leaders who argue that her comments could incite violence and undermine law enforcement efforts [https://www.startribune.com/california-official-criticized-for-appearing-to-call-on-gangs-to-intervene-in-immigration-raids/601379082]. 3. **Potential Legal Consequences**: - Reports indicate that the FBI is considering an investigation into Gonzalez's statements, as they may constitute a call to action against federal agents, raising serious legal and ethical questions [https://www.kcra.com/article/cudahy-vice-mayor-gangs-ice-raids-california/65191324]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Historical Context of ICE Raids**: - ICE raids have been a contentious issue in immigrant communities, often leading to fear and resistance among residents. Gonzalez's comments reflect a growing frustration with federal immigration policies [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-25/california-official-criticized-for-appearing-to-call-on-gangs-to-intervene-in-immigration-raids]. - **Community Response**: - Local community members have expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting her stance against ICE, while others fear the potential for violence and further criminalization of their neighborhoods [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/25/california-vice-mayor-cynthia-gonzalez-ice]. ### Conclusion and Implications **Cynthia Gonzalez's remarks have sparked a significant controversy that raises questions about the role of local officials in addressing federal immigration policies.** 1. **Public Outcry**: The backlash against her comments highlights the sensitive nature of immigration enforcement and the potential for local leaders to influence community dynamics. 2. **Legal Ramifications**: The possibility of an FBI investigation underscores the seriousness of her statements and the potential consequences of inciting action against federal agents. 3. **Future of Local Governance**: This incident may prompt a reevaluation of how local officials engage with federal immigration policies and the communities they serve. In summary, the situation surrounding Cynthia Gonzalez serves as a critical case study in the intersection of local governance, community activism, and federal law enforcement [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jun/25/california-official-rapped-appearing-call-street-gangs-intervene].