Social Media and Trump Admin Clash Over LA Mayor's Response to ICE Raids: Critics Call Out "You're a Criminal Too"
LA Mayor Karen Bass faces backlash from conservatives after vowing to resist federal ICE raids in her city.
Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faced intense backlash on social media Friday after issuing a statement condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations targeting undocumented immigrants in the city. The raids reportedly took place at multiple locations across Los Angeles, sparking outcry from both local officials and conservative commentators nationwide.
In her statement, Mayor Bass emphasized, “As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, 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.”
Within hours, Bass’s comments ignited vigorous debate online. Members of the Trump administration were among those who directly criticized her, arguing that the enforcement of federal immigration law supersedes local authority. White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller asserted on X, “You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced.” Other former officials chimed in, accusing Bass of misunderstanding the principles of federalism and undermining the enforcement actions of ICE.
Conservative commentators seized the opportunity to challenge Mayor Bass's priorities, pointing to previous criticism over her handling of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Rep. Darrell Issa, a GOP congressman, remarked, “If only Karen Bass fought against the Los Angeles fires like she fights for illegal aliens.” Others suggested that her focus on resisting federal immigration actions reflected misplaced leadership, with accusations that she was obstructing justice.
Tensions escalated throughout the day as immigration advocates confirmed that at least 45 people had been arrested at seven separate locations, including large retailers and small businesses. Videos circulating on social media depicted federal agents escorting individuals across parking lots, while protesters confronted law enforcement at detention sites. As demonstrations intensified into the evening, law enforcement in riot gear was deployed to maintain order amid growing crowds. Some critics accused Mayor Bass of “whipping up” protests and creating unrest, drawing further condemnation from political figures and social media users alike.
The controversy deepened when the Los Angeles Police Department issued a public statement distancing itself from the actions of ICE. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated, “The LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. While we will continue to have a visible presence to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will we try to determine an individual’s immigration status.”
This stance drew fire from officials at the Department of Homeland Security, who expressed frustration over what they described as insufficient local support for federal operations. Online, individuals also accused the city’s leadership of allowing violence and chaos to escalate, citing reports of attacks on ICE officers, vandalism, and breaches at federal buildings. Calls mounted for Mayor Bass to take greater action to restore order and defend federal law enforcement personnel.
As the situation continues to unfold, the clash between local leaders, federal authorities, and community activists underscores the sharp divides over immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. With the city’s leadership committed to supporting its immigrant population and federal agencies determined to pursue their directives, the fallout from Friday’s actions sets the stage for ongoing debate and heightened tensions in one of the nation’s most diverse urban centers.
