Mayor Bass Criticizes Federal Agents During Press Conference
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took a strong stance against federal agents on Thursday, suggesting that their presence outside a museum during a press conference was inappropriate. This event highlighted California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plans to redraw the council’s map.
Bass was in the Little Tokyo area, where at least one arrest was made by federal agents near the Japanese-American National Museum. Newsom expressed his frustration, questioning whether it was a coincidence that federal agents were present. “I think it’s quite sick and pathetic,” he remarked.
Cash Payments for Undocumented Immigrants
Bass has been vocal about her disapproval of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, especially regarding raids in Los Angeles. She implied that the timing of this operation was intentional, given the media attention surrounding the press conference. “They’re talking about obstacles in Los Angeles, but they are the source of the obstacles,” she stated.
In light of the ongoing federal operations, Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, as well as U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for comments.
Backlash Over ICE Actions
California State Assemblyman Bill Essayri reacted to Bass’s remarks on social media, noting that it seemed the mayor and other officials wrongly believed they were exempt from federal law. The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement has sparked considerable backlash in California, particularly regarding raids aimed at undocumented immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Earlier in July, Bass criticized another operation at MacArthur Park, calling the tactics used by federal agents “outrageous” and “non-American.” Tricia McLaughlin, a representative from the Department of Homeland Security, defended the federal approach, stating that their actions aim to maintain public safety in Los Angeles.
Gregory Bovino, chief patrol agent for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, followed up by asserting that the goal is to make Los Angeles safer, indicating that their operations are necessary and will continue.
Press Conference Context
The press conference on Thursday was focused on the upcoming battle over Congressional districts, which is significant ahead of the next midterm elections. Newsom and fellow Democrats are preparing to counter a Republican strategy aimed at creating more favorable districts in Texas at the expense of current Democratic seats.
“Today is California’s liberation day,” Newsom proclaimed, critiquing Trump’s involvement in the political landscape. “You thrust the bear in, and we punch,” he concluded, emphasizing California’s readiness to stand up to federal pressure.
