CUDAHY, Calif. — Cynthia Gonzalez, vice mayor of Cudahy in southeast Los Angeles County, is facing backlash over a social media video in which she appeared to call on local street gangs to mobilize in response to ongoing immigration enforcement operations.
The now-deleted video featured Gonzalez questioning gang members’ silence, stating, “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 went on to say, “We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?” The video also referenced Los Angeles street gangs Florencia 13 and 18th Street, raising concerns among officials and community members.
Attorney says video message was about peaceful protest
In response to criticism, Gonzalez’s attorney issued a statement Wednesday denying that she was inciting violence. “Any suggestion that she advocated for violence is categorically false and without merit,” the statement said.
The attorney claimed Gonzalez was urging the Latino community — including those associated with gangs — to participate in peaceful demonstrations against federal immigration raids. “Importantly, Dr. Gonzalez in no way encouraged anyone to engage in violence,” the statement read.
