The FBI has launched an investigation into Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy, following a controversial social media video where she appeared to call on notorious street gangs to challenge ICE operations. Gonzalez specifically mentioned the 18th Street and Florencia 13 gangs, questioning their absence during immigration enforcement activities and seemingly encouraging them to “defend their turf” against federal agents. Did Gonzalez cross the line amid increased assaults on ICE agents?
Vice Mayor’s Inflammatory Comments Spark Federal Investigation
Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy in Los Angeles County, finds herself at the center of an FBI investigation after posting a video calling on local gang members to challenge federal immigration enforcement. In the controversial video, Gonzalez directly addressed members of the notorious 18th Street and Florencia 13 gangs, questioning their absence during ICE operations in their claimed territories.
“I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles. You guys are always tagging 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,” Gonzalez stated in the video that has since been deleted. Her comments continued with a direct challenge to gang leadership, saying, “get your f***ing members in order” and demanding they “help out” during immigration enforcement activities.
HOLY SHLIT: Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy, CA, is under federal investigation after she reportedly called for the 18th Street & Florencia 13 gang leaders to “f*cking get your members in order” to fight against federal agents.pic.twitter.com/El5HqrwBYe
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 24, 2025
Federal Response and Official Reactions
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a strong rebuke of Gonzalez’s statements, connecting them to a troubling trend of increased violence against federal agents. “She calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th street gang — to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement,” the department stated, adding that “this kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers.”
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller declined to confirm or deny an active investigation but made the agency’s position clear, stating, “Generally speaking, of course, the FBI condemns any calls for violence or targeting of law enforcement with violence.” The City of Cudahy quickly distanced itself from the Vice Mayor’s comments, releasing a statement clarifying that Gonzalez’s social media posts reflect her personal views, not the official position of the city.
NEW: Vice Mayor of Cudahy, California is allegedly under FBI investigation for allegedly calling on Los Angeles gangs to target ICE, according to Fox News’ @BillMelugin_.
Looks like someone drank too many mimosas at brunch.
Cynthia Gonzalez allegedly called on the 18th Street… pic.twitter.com/DnvTJsZAHu
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 24, 2025
Broader Implications and Aftermath
Following the FBI’s visit to her home, Gonzalez posted on social media that she needed a lawyer, suggesting she recognizes the potential legal jeopardy she faces. The controversy comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in Los Angeles County, where recent anti-ICE protests resulted in injuries to deputies and cost taxpayers approximately $32 million.
The gangs referenced by Gonzalez are known for extensive criminal operations, including drug trafficking and violent crimes throughout the Los Angeles area. Despite the serious nature of the controversy, reports indicate that Gonzalez was recently hired by UCLA as Director of the Principal Leadership Institute and had previously received an endorsement from the Los Angeles Times for a position on the LA Unified School District board.
Critics argue that Gonzalez’s comments crossed a clear line, noting that calls for violence from elected officials are particularly troubling and not protected under the First Amendment. The Vice Mayor has not responded to multiple requests for comment from various news organizations, and the investigation continues as authorities determine whether her statements constituted criminal incitement against federal agents.
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Author: Editorial Team
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