California City Official Urges Gangs to Protect the ‘Hood’ Amid ICE Operations

The vice mayor of Cudahy in southern L.A. County tells drug-trafficking gangs to fight for their turf in a now-deleted video.
California City Official Urges Gangs to Protect the ‘Hood’ Amid ICE Operations
Protesters rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Los Angeles on June 10, 2025. Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo
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The vice mayor of a city in southeastern Los Angeles County is under fire June 25 after posting a social media video that appeared to call on local drug-trafficking gangs to protect their territory from federal immigration authorities.

Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a pilot school administrator, posted the now-deleted TikTok video Monday, garnering national attention and a possible federal investigation.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.