Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced intense backlash on social media, including from members of the Trump administration, after she criticized federal immigration enforcement actions in her city. The mayor condemned the ICE raids, arguing they terrorize communities and undermine safety principles, prompting criticism from conservatives who accused her of undermining federal authority and failing to address local crises like the wildfires. Bass’s statement, which garnered over two million impressions on X, drew immediate pushback, with critics highlighting concerns about her leadership and response to the devastating wildfires earlier this year that killed 30 people. The mayor’s stance sparked a heated debate on federalism and immigration policy, with many opponents accusing her of aligning with illegal immigrants against American citizens.
Her criticism of the ICE raids, which targeted illegal immigrants in multiple locations across the city, led to a wave of online condemnation from conservative figures. White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller criticized Bass, stating, “You have no say in this at all. Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced.” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Harmeet Dhillon added, “It’s amazing the number of elected officials who don’t grasp the basics of federalism, or federal sovereignty over immigration issues, or the First Amendment.”
The controversy intensified as videos of the ICE operations circulated online, showing individuals being escorted by federal agents and clashes between protesters and law enforcement at detention sites. Immigration advocates confirmed that at least 45 people had been arrested across seven locations, including two Home Depot stores and a doughnut shop. The Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) criticized the actions, arguing that the raids disrupt the safety and stability of immigrant communities.
As protests grew on Friday evening, law enforcement in riot gear was deployed to calm the crowds, drawing further criticism against Bass for allegedly inciting unrest. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of the United States Ric Grenell claimed, “Karen Bass whipped all of this up. She attacked the rule of law. She undermined democracy. The @MayorOfLA is creating chaos in LA.” This accusation reflects the growing polarization surrounding immigration policy and the role of local governments in enforcing federal authority.
The situation also raised questions about the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) role in the matter, as the department issued a statement clarifying it would not assist or participate in any form of immigration enforcement. This position faced criticism from Homeland Security officials, who argued that the LAPD’s inaction allowed violence against federal law enforcement to escalate. The debate highlights the complex interplay between local governance, federal authority, and the broader implications of immigration policy in the United States.