Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez Faces Backlash Over Gang Remarks Amid Immigration Crackdown

Cynthia Gonzalez Faces Backlash After Viral Video Appears to Call on Gangs Amid Federal Crackdown in Los Angeles

Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California, is facing intense criticism after a controversial video surfaced in which she appeared to call on local street gangs to “organize” in response to recent immigration enforcement operations carried out in the Los Angeles area.

The now-deleted social media video showed Gonzalez expressing frustration at the lack of visible resistance to what she described as “invasions” by federal immigration authorities. Cudahy, a small city located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, has a predominantly Latino population and a long history of immigrant advocacy.

The Content of the Controversial Video

In the video, Gonzalez questioned the silence of gang members during federal raids, saying:

“You guys are always tagging 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 specifically referenced two notorious street gangs—18th Street and Florence—while calling into question why they had not taken a stand or shown support amid the immigration crackdowns.

“We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?” she added, seemingly urging these groups to step in.

The video quickly gained traction online before being removed, igniting public outrage and prompting a formal response from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Federal Authorities Condemn the Remarks

In a strongly worded statement, the Department of Homeland Security denounced Gonzalez’s comments, labeling them as “despicable” and “dangerous.” A spokesperson for DHS posted the following on social media:

“She calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th Street gang — to commit violence against our brave U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement officers. This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500% increase in assaults against our ICE officers.”

DHS officials emphasized that any assault on federal officers would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

City of Cudahy Distances Itself

The City of Cudahy responded quickly to the growing controversy with an official statement released on Tuesday. The city clarified that the vice mayor's comments were made in a personal capacity and did not represent the city's official stance.

“The comments made by the Vice Mayor reflect her personal views and do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy. The City will not be providing further comment,” the statement read.

Gonzalez has not issued a personal statement or responded to media inquiries regarding the matter.

Background on Cudahy and the Broader Context

Cudahy is a small suburb in southeast Los Angeles County with a population of about 22,000 residents. The city is home to a large immigrant community and has historically advocated for immigrant protections and sanctuary policies.

The controversy comes amid renewed immigration enforcement efforts in Southern California, as federal agencies carry out coordinated raids under national directives aimed at detaining undocumented individuals. These operations have drawn criticism and protest from immigrant rights groups, local officials, and civil society organizations.

However, invoking the support or involvement of street gangs, particularly groups with long records of violent crime, has drawn harsh backlash from both sides of the political spectrum.

Political Fallout and Legal Ramifications

Though Gonzalez has not been formally charged or sanctioned, the possibility of legal or political consequences remains open. Legal experts note that while freedom of speech protects many forms of expression, any statement that can be interpreted as incitement to violence or criminal activity may be subject to scrutiny.

Meanwhile, public sentiment within the city and the broader Los Angeles area remains divided. Some community members have voiced concern about the tone and implications of the vice mayor's remarks, while others defend her frustration as a reflection of broader tensions between immigrant communities and federal enforcement practices.

As the story continues to develop, Gonzalez's political future may hang in the balance, with both local leaders and federal authorities watching closely.