The vice mayor of Cudahy, California, is facing backlash after a video surfaced in which she urged notorious Los Angeles gang members to confront federal immigration agents.

According to a report by The Independent, Cynthia Gonzalez appeared to criticize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and called on gang members to “protect their turf,” a statement that law enforcement groups say went too far.

In a video posted to Instagram and later deleted, Gonzalez named the 18th Street and Florencia gangs and challenged their absence during recent immigration enforcement actions in the city. She accused them of silence while the “biggest gang,” a term many believe referenced ICE, “invaded” their neighborhoods.

Law Enforcement Slams Gonzalez’s Remarks

The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) issued a stern response, labeling Gonzalez’s comments “deplorable” and calling for her resignation. The union pointed out the violent histories of the two gangs she referenced, both of which have been involved in the killings of LAPD officers.

“Her actions are shameful and potentially illegal,” the LAPPL stated, referencing the 1998 murder of Officer Filberto Cuesta and the 2022 killing of Officer Fernando Arroyos. “What Ms Gonzalez urged puts police officers at greater risk.”

Gonzalez’s video was also reposted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which issued a rare and direct condemnation. DHS claimed her remarks amounted to incitement and cited a steep rise in assaults against ICE officers as a worrying trend.

Federal and Local Officials Push Back

DHS accused Gonzalez of encouraging gangs “to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement.” The agency promised aggressive prosecution for any assaults, referencing a 500 percent increase in attacks on ICE personnel in recent times.

While the FBI would not confirm whether it had opened an investigation, it did condemn any rhetoric that could be seen as encouraging violence against federal officers. A spokesperson made clear that such behavior, in general, was unacceptable and subject to scrutiny.

Gonzalez has not responded to media inquiries, but her attorney has pushed back strongly against the narrative being spun by law enforcement. He claimed that her message was being misconstrued and that she never advocated for violence.

Defense Claims Peaceful Intentions Were Misread

“Any suggestion that she advocated for violence is categorically false and without merit,” the attorney said. He characterized the video as a challenge to the Latino community to peacefully organize, not to commit crimes.

He added that Gonzalez meant to highlight the irony of street gangs failing to act while regular citizens protested the ICE raids. According to him, the vice mayor’s comments were meant to call for unity, not bloodshed.

The City of Cudahy quickly distanced itself from the uproar, releasing a short statement saying Gonzalez’s comments were her personal views and not representative of the city’s position. The city said it would offer no further comment.

ICE Raids Stir Growing Public Unrest

The timing of Gonzalez’s comments coincided with a tense period in Los Angeles, as ICE crackdowns triggered street protests and widespread anger in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. The Biden administration deployed federal troops, including the National Guard and active-duty Marines, to assist local law enforcement.

Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass objected to the federal deployment, calling it excessive and politically motivated. Nonetheless, the raids went forward, sparking demonstrations across the city.

Gonzalez had previously stood with other L.A. County mayors at a City Hall press conference hosted by Bass to voice concerns over federal immigration enforcement tactics. Her now-infamous video came shortly after that appearance.