Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, is facing backlash after posting a controversial video on social media. In the video, she reportedly calls on local street gangs to stand up against immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles County. The video, which was posted on Instagram and later deleted, specifically mentions the 18th Street and Florencia gangs, urging them to defend their territories from what she refers to as the “biggest gang,” implying ICE.
In the video, Gonzales says:
“Not for nothing, but I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles? 18th street, Florencia, where’s the leadership at? Because, you guys are all about territory. And this is 18th Street, and this is Florencia. You guys tag 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. It’s everyone else who’s not about the gang life that’s out there protesting and speaking up. We’re out there, like, fighting for our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people, and like, where you at?
Dude, they’re running amok all up in your, on your streets, on your streets and in your city, and peep. When the big gang’s guns come in, nothing but, like, quiet, and we’re out here, the regular ones that have never been jumped in, out here calling things out, trying to organize people, trying to do the thing.
So don’t be trying to claim no block, no nothing, if you’re not showing up right now, trying to, like, help out and organize. I don’t want to hear a peep out of you once they’re gone, trying to claim that this is my block. This was not your block. You weren’t even here helping out. So whoever’s the leadership over there, just f**king get your members in order.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reacted strongly, reposting the video and condemning Gonzalez’s comments as “despicable.” DHS noted a significant increase in assaults on ICE officers, attributing it to such rhetoric. According to The Independent, the FBI has not confirmed whether an investigation into Gonzalez is underway but emphasized that it condemns any calls for violence against law enforcement.
Legal analysts have raised concerns about the implications of Gonzalez’s statements. As reported by KTLA, legal expert Alison Triessl noted that the First Amendment does not protect speech that incites violence, and if convicted, Gonzalez could face up to ten years in prison.
The City of Cudahy has distanced itself from Gonzalez’s comments, saying in a statement:
“The City of Cudahy is aware of recent comments made by Vice Mayor Cynthina Gonzalez on social media. 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.”
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