DHS Condemns Official Who ‘Calls for Gang Violence on ICE’: ‘Despicable’

The Department of Homeland Security has condemned a California city official for allegedly encouraging criminal gangs to commit violence against ICE.

In a video on social media Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, a suburb of southeast Los Angeles County, asked why street gangs had not emerged to “help out and organize” against the “biggest gang there is.”

The DHS also branded Gonzalez’ post, since taken down, as “despicable.”

Fox News, which first reported on the footage, said that, according to unnamed “federal sources,” Gonzalez is “allegedly being investigated” by the FBI for potentially inciting violence against federal immigration agents.

A spokesperson for the FBI told Newsweek:”Per FBI policy, I am unable to confirm or deny an investigation. Generally speaking, of course, the FBI condemns any calls for gang violence or the targeting of law enforcement with violence.”

Newsweek has also contacted the DHS, Gonzalez, and the Mayor of Cudahy for comment via email outside of normal office hours.

Why It Matters

Riots broke out in Los Angeles earlier this month when President Donald Trump took control of California’s National Guard and deployed approximately 4,000 troops. He also ordered an additional 700 U.S. Marines into the city.

Trump’s decision was a response to widespread but mainly peaceful protests in the city over his immigration policies, which has led to agents carrying out deportation raids across the country.

The move ignited a national debate over the domestic use of military force and sharply escalated political tensions. It marked the first time since 1965 that a president deployed troops in a U.S. state without the consent of its governor. DHS has claimed that ICE agents are facing a 500 percent increase in assaults.

Cynthia Gonzalez
Cynthia Gonzalez
City of Cudahy

What To Know

In the video, Gonzalez asks where gang members are, and calls on gang leaders to “get your members in order.”

As well as sharply condemning Gonzalez’ comments as “despicable” in a post on X, the DHS accused her of calling for “criminal gangs—including the vicious 18th Street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement.”

The agency linked Gonzalez’ rhetoric to the “more than 500 percent increase in assaults” on ICE officers, and warned: “If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Gonzalez does not specifically name ICE in her video, but 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 … 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,” she added. “We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?”

“Don’t be trying to claim no block, no nothing,” Gonzalez said. “If you’re not showing up right now, trying to help out and organize, I don’t want to hear a peep out of you once they’re gone.”

Toward the end of the video, Gonzalez tells the leaders of the LA street gangs to “get your f***ing members in order.”

Gonzalez reportedly deleted the video shortly after posting it. She was later visited by FBI agents at her home, according to Fox News.

The City of Cudahy has distanced itself from Gonzalez’ remarks.

Who is the 18th Street Gang

The 18th Street gang, also known as Barrio 18, is one of the largest and most violent street gangs in the world.

Originally formed in Los Angeles, California, the gang has grown into a transnational criminal organization with tens of thousands of members spread across the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

The 18th Street Gang was founded in Los Angeles in the 1960s, initially as a small gang composed mostly of Mexican American youths. Its name comes from 18th Street in the Rampart District of Los Angeles, where the gang was originally based.

Unlike many other Latino gangs at the time, the 18th Street gang was notable for accepting members from various backgrounds, including Central Americans, African Americans, and Asians. This allowed the gang to grow its membership to its estimated 50,000 members today.

The gang is known for its brutal violence and is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug and weapons trafficking, robbery, extortion, human smuggling, and murder.

Florencia 13 is a street gang based in southern Los Angeles. Its members have recently been involved in crimes including fentanyl trafficking, extortion and murder, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

What People Are Saying

The city of Cudahy said in a statement: “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.”

DHS said in a post on X: “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 in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers.

“Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”