Mayor Karen Bass Avoids Direct Answers on Immigration Policy
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has sidestepped questions about whether all illegal immigrants in the sanctuary city should be permitted to stay. In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” she criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to send 4,000 National Guard troops and around 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid customs enforcement and protests.
ABC host Martha Raddatz asked Bass if individuals convicted of minor crimes should face deportation, pointing out that there are about one million undocumented workers in Los Angeles. “What should happen to those people?” Raddatz prompted.
Bass responded, “We are an immigrant city. Our economy relies heavily on immigrant labor. We need them to rebuild after the fires, and we can’t do that without them.” She emphasized that the fear of deportation affects not just undocumented residents but even legal citizens in detention.
The Pentagon’s National Guard Deployment in LA
When pressed further about whether these individuals should be deported, Bass firmly stated, “I don’t think so. I think they should stay.” Raddatz reminded her that this conversation involves around one million undocumented people.
“What we really need is comprehensive immigration reform,” Bass argued, reflecting on her twelve years in Congress. Raddatz countered, pointing out that Bass’s position on the council didn’t guarantee the passage of immigration reforms.
Bass shifted blame for the lack of reform, saying, “There was a bipartisan bill after I left that could have moved forward, but Trump decided against it.” Perhaps there’s some validity in that thought, but it feels a bit simplistic.
Raddatz recalled inquiries made to Border Patrol agents regarding their feelings about illegal immigration. Their response noted the challenges posed by those who jump the line ahead of individuals trying to enter legally.
Bass described the difficult journeys many immigrants undertake, stating, “These people are not just sitting in their homes dreaming of coming to Los Angeles. They come here out of desperation.” It’s a real perspective, but one that seems to get lost in political rhetoric.
Controversies and Challenges in Immigration Policy
Raddatz pointed out that during Biden’s administration, hundreds of thousands have crossed borders illegally. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows about 10.8 million encounters and nearly 2 million that avoided detection since Biden took office. In contrast, Trump boasted of record lows in his second term.
When asked if there were any positive changes from Trump’s border policies in recent months, Bass hesitated, saying, “Well, I can’t say there’s been anything good from an immigration standpoint.” It’s hard to decipher exactly how she feels about the current policies, really.
Despite the National Guard’s presence, she claimed to have never spoken with the Trump administration regarding immigration. “I made a request. I want to talk,” she emphasized, hoping for collaboration as events like the World Cup and the Olympics approach in the coming years.
In light of recent developments, Bass expressed a desire for a de-escalation of military presence, stating, “I hope the troops will leave, as they are not needed.” Her mixed feelings about the current situation reflect a broader uncertainty in the ongoing debate about immigration.
