- by foxnews
- 01 Sep 2025
"This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles," Bass said in a statement on Friday.
"As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this."
The mayor's statement, which garnered over two million impressions on X, drew immediate pushback from conservatives, with many pointing out criticisms of her leadership, preparedness, and response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year that killed 30 people.
The Associated Press reported that immigration advocates confirmed at least 45 people had been arrested across seven locations. The locations included two Home Depot stores, a store in the fashion district and a doughnut shop, according to Angelica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), who spoke at an afternoon news conference to denounce the actions.
Videos of the operations taken by bystanders and TV news crews showed people being escorted across a Home Depot parking lot by federal agents. The videos also captured clashes between protesters and federal agents at detention sites.
As the protests grew on Friday evening, and law enforcement in riot gear had to be brought in to calm the crowds, Bass drew even more criticism online from users accusing her of stirring up protesters.
Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
Adding to the controversy, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement that it was not getting involved with deportations or immigration enforcement.
"Today the LAPD became aware that federal law enforcement agencies conducted activities in the City of Los Angeles. I'm aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos, so I want to make it clear: the LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said in a statement posted on X.
"While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual's immigration status."
That position drew criticism on social media, including from Assistant Secretary Dept. of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin.
"Assaulting ICE enforcement officers, slashing tires, defacing buildings," she posted. "800 protestors have surrounded and breached the first layer of a federal law enforcement building in LA. @LAPDhas not responded. This violence against @ICEgov must stop."
Guest added in another post: "The fact the LAPD has not responded is a MAJOR scandal. As this violence against federal law enforcement rages, Democrat LA Mayor Karen Bass has so far refused to restore law and order. She should step up or step aside-LA deserves a leader who defends the rule of law."
Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this report
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