A single post could cost her everything. Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez is at the center of a federal probe after she allegedly encouraged violence against federal immigration officers—raising questions about accountability in local politics.
Federal Investigation Targets Controversial Remarks
The FBI is reportedly investigating Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez after she posted a video that appeared to call on notorious gangs — including 18th Street and Florencia 13 — to rise up against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. Though the video was quickly deleted, the damage was done. Gonzalez’s explicit reference to gang territorial control raised alarms at the highest levels of law enforcement.
In the clip, Gonzalez questioned why gangs known for defending “their hood” remained silent as ICE agents carried out operations in Latino neighborhoods. Her comments were widely interpreted as encouraging criminal retaliation, drawing swift rebukes and prompting a national conversation on political responsibility and the limits of free speech for elected officials.
City Distances Itself, DHS Blasts “Garbage Rhetoric”
Cudahy city officials acted quickly to disavow Gonzalez’s statements, clarifying that her views were personal and not representative of the city’s position. The FBI has reportedly visited her residence, and Gonzalez has signaled that she’s seeking legal representation.
The comments made by the Vice Mayor of Cudahy, CA, Cynthia Gonzalez, are despicable. She calls for criminal gangs – including the vicious 18th street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement.
This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase… pic.twitter.com/c7yX0xB5o7
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 25, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security condemned her rhetoric, linking it to a recent 500% spike in assaults against ICE agents. “This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers,” DHS said in a statement.
Adding fuel to the fire, recent anti-ICE protests in the area left multiple deputies injured and cost taxpayers over $32 million, according to official estimates.
Public Outcry and Political Fallout
Gonzalez, who also holds a directorial position at UCLA and received an endorsement from the L.A. Times for the LAUSD board, now finds her political future in jeopardy. The video and ensuing investigation have sparked outrage, particularly among law enforcement advocates and concerned citizens who believe her remarks were reckless and dangerous.
JUST IN: The FBI is investigating the Vice Mayor of Cudahy, California, Cynthia Gonzalez, after she posted a video on social media calling on the 18th Street and Florencia 13 gang members to protect their “turf” against ICE, according to Fox News.
Gonzalez even told the gang… pic.twitter.com/gFqD8ZXX3Q
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) June 24, 2025
“Where’s the leadership at? … Now that your hood’s being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain’t a peep out of you,” Gonzalez said in the video — a line that has since been dissected on national media and decried by many as a direct incitement to violence.
As the investigation continues, the case raises serious questions about accountability for public officials, especially in communities already on edge over immigration enforcement and public safety. While Gonzalez remains silent on the charges, the political and legal consequences are mounting — with Los Angeles and the nation watching closely.
Sources:
Did Cudahy vice mayor call on street gangs to organize against ICE? ‘Get your members in order’
Los Angeles Area Politician Calls For Local Street Gangs To Fight ICE Agents