Attorney of South California Official Accused of Encouraging Gangs to Confront Federal Agents Denies Violent Intent: 'Categorically False'

Cynthia Gonzalez, vice mayor of Cudahy, California, is facing mounting criticism after posting a video to social media in which she appeared to challenge street gangs to respond to federal immigration raids. But her attorney insists she was not calling for violence.

"Any suggestion that she advocated for violence is categorically false and without merit," Gonzalez's attorney said in a statement collected by The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. "In her post, Dr. Gonzalez issued a challenge to the Latino community: join the thousands of Angelenos already peacefully organizing in response to ongoing enforcement actions."

In the now-deleted video, Gonzalez had said: "I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles ... 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." She continued: "We're out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?"

The comments, however, drew swift condemnation from federal officials and law enforcement groups. The Department of Homeland Security described her remarks as "despicable," stating in a post on X that "she calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th Street gang — to commit violence against our brave U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement." The department added that "if you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The Los Angeles Police Protective League also condemned the remarks, calling for Gonzalez's resignation and potential prosecution, as The Associated Press reports. "What Ms. Gonzalez urged and taunted these specific gangs to do in her social media post puts police officers and other law enforcement professionals at greater risk," the union stated. "Her actions are deplorable and potentially illegal."

The FBI would not confirm or deny whether Gonzalez is under investigation. "Generally speaking, of course, the FBI condemns any calls for violence or targeting of law enforcement with violence," spokesperson Laura Eimiller said.

The city of Cudahy issued a statement clarifying that Gonzalez's views were her own and did not represent the city's official position. Gonzalez has not publicly commented. Gonzalez, who was elected in 2022, is currently on leave from her role in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Cudahy is a predominantly Latino suburb of Los Angeles with about 22,000 residents.