Mayor Bass Criticizes Timing of Immigration Raids
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed strong criticism on Thursday regarding the timing of recent arrests of undocumented immigrants by border patrol agents, particularly in relation to a press conference held by Governor Gavin Newsom. This event took place at the Japanese-American Museum, where Newsom discussed California’s special elections.
After the arrests were made, Bass was approached by an NBC4 Los Angeles journalist, who questioned whether the arrests could have been coincidental. “There’s no way this was a coincidence!” Bass responded emphatically. She highlighted that the governor and other officials had previously held press conferences in that very location to address rezoning issues.
Bass further elaborated, calling the operation a “provocative act,” stating, “They’re creating obstacles in Los Angeles while claiming to address them. This is completely unacceptable.” She emphasized that the Customs and Border Patrol’s actions were unwarranted and that there was no real threat requiring such measures at a time when local officials were engaged in important discussions.
Video footage from Fox 11 indicated that Border Patrol agents detained at least one individual during these operations. Gregory Bovino, chief of California’s El Centro sector Border Patrol, defended the agency’s presence there, claiming they aimed to enhance safety in the city. “We’re not going anywhere,” Bovino said, asserting that their actions made the area safer.
Bovino also stated that the arrests were part of a routine “roving patrol” and dismissed suggestions that their presence was coordinated with the timing of Newsom’s press conference.
During the press conference, Newsom unveiled a gerrymandering initiative aimed at potentially removing several Republican representatives from the House. This campaign is, in part, a response to similar actions taken in Texas and is linked to calls for an end to what supporters label as “election rigging.”
California voters will face a decision in the special elections on November 4th regarding whether to grant state legislatures the authority to modify districts in place of the independent committee that typically handles election maps.
Since June, LA, dubbed a sanctuary city, has seen increased activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents. Recent protests have also erupted in the downtown area, causing significant disruption, vandalism, and financial damage as clashes took place involving those demonstrating against these law enforcement actions.
