The Los Angeles Police Protection League (LAPPL), which represents over 8,900 LAPD officers, is calling for the resignation and prosecution of local officials. This follows reports suggesting that some officials have been urging gangs to defend their territory against the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Recently, Cynthia Gonzalez, the deputy mayor of Cudahy in southeastern Los Angeles County, allegedly shared a video on social media that seemed to encourage gang members from 18th Avenue and Florencia 13 to confront ICE agents. According to LAPPL, this puts law enforcement personnel at increased risk.
“That’s really dangerous,” commented Richard Mendoza, LAPPL’s manager. He insisted that Gonzalez should step down and that legal action should be taken if she has breached any laws.
The gangs in the 18th Avenue and Florencia 13 areas are notorious for their violent tactics often involving intimidation and murder. LAPPL highlighted that these gangs have a documented history of killing police officers.
Mendoza expressed shock upon witnessing the video. “This is crazy,” he said. He emphasized the hazardous nature of the situation given the current climate.
In a now-deleted clip, Gonzalez purportedly called on the gang to organize and bolster local opposition to ICE, urging them to act against perceived encroachments on their territory. Yet, paradoxically, her comments reveal a disconnect; while she is addressing the gang’s territorial claims, she’s also inciting violence against federal agents.
Gonzalez reportedly stated, “I want to know where all the Choros in Los Angeles are. You guys tag everything – claim the hood. And now, there’s no word from you while your territory is being invaded by the largest gang.” This remark reflects a tense and contradictory situation.
Meanwhile, after the video’s release, Gonzalez was approached by an FBI agent at her residence and is reportedly under investigation. While the FBI has not confirmed any ongoing inquiries, they have dismissed accusations linking them to gang violence.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security described Gonzalez’s comments as “despicable,” indicating that they encourage violence against ICE law enforcement, which has reportedly seen a 500% uptick in assaults. They stressed that attacking a federal officer will lead to severe criminal charges.
As of now, neither Cynthia Gonzalez nor the City of Cudahy has provided comments regarding these developments.
