FBI investigates LA County vice mayor after social media video allegedly urged gangs to resist ICE, sparking national outcry.

FBI Launches Probe After Vice Mayor’s Video Sparks Backlash

The FBI has reportedly launched a criminal investigation into Cynthia Gonzalez, vice mayor of Cudahy in southeast Los Angeles County, following the release of a controversial social media video in which she allegedly called on local street gangs to defend their territory from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Gonzalez’s video, shared late last week, appeared to address leaders of the 18th Street and Florencia 13 gangs, criticizing them for remaining silent during ICE operations in their neighborhoods. “Not for nothing, but I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles,” Gonzalez stated in the video, adding, “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 went on to urge gang members to organize and resist, warning, “Don’t be trying to claim no block, no nothing. 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.” In a direct address to gang leadership, Gonzalez concluded, “Get your f***ing members in order.”

Federal Response and Local Fallout

After reportedly deleting the video, Gonzalez was visited by FBI agents at her home, according to federal sources. She later acknowledged on social media that she had been contacted by the FBI and was seeking legal counsel. The FBI Los Angeles office did not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation but stated that they condemn any call for gang violence.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security publicly denounced Gonzalez’s comments, calling them “despicable” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “She calls for criminal gangs—including the vicious 18th Street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement,” DHS wrote, warning that such rhetoric has contributed to a more than 500 percent rise in assaults against ICE officers. “Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

In response to mounting criticism, the City of Cudahy released a statement clarifying that Gonzalez’s comments reflect her personal opinions and “do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy.”

Gang Activity and Community Tensions

The 18th Street gang, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 members, is notorious for drug trafficking and violent crime, while Florencia 13 has been linked to extortion, murder, and fentanyl trafficking in southern Los Angeles. Both gangs remain under federal scrutiny due to their criminal activities.

Public concern has also grown over the financial and human costs of recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, which City Controller Kenneth Mejia estimated will cost taxpayers $32 million. Although demonstrators described the protests as peaceful, nearly a dozen deputies suffered injuries in the unrest.

As the investigation continues, questions remain about the boundaries of public speech, the safety of law enforcement, and the responsibilities of elected officials. With the federal probe underway, the fallout from Gonzalez’s remarks is likely to fuel further debate over immigration enforcement and community relations in Los Angeles and beyond.