Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has sidestepped direct questions regarding whether all undocumented immigrants in the city should be allowed to stay, emphasizing the city’s reliance on immigrant labor to sustain its economy and facilitate recovery from recent fires. During an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” Bass criticized President Trump’s decision to federalize 4,000 National Guard troops and deploy about 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots and protests. She argued that deportations and raids create fear and hinder the city’s reconstruction, asserting that its economic and rebuilding sectors depend on immigrant labor.
Bass responded to a question about who should be deported by stating that the city cannot afford to lose its immigrant workforce, which includes an estimated one million undocumented workers. When pressed on whether these individuals should be deported, she asserted, “I don’t think so. I think they should stay,” but added that comprehensive immigration reform is the long-term solution. Her comments came under scrutiny as she had previously served in Congress, where she did not successfully push for immigration reform. She attributed the lack of progress to President Trump’s opposition to bipartisan efforts, claiming, “He didn’t want to have it happen because he didn’t want immigration reform to happen, where he didn’t take credit for it.”
The mayor also addressed the surge in border crossings under former President Joe Biden, acknowledging the challenges faced by immigrants but disputing the claim that all are seeking illegal entry. “Many of these people are coming here out of desperation,” she said, citing the risks involved in crossing the border from Central America and South America.
When asked if there were any positive aspects of the Trump administration’s border policies, Bass expressed skepticism, stating that the administration’s approach has been “punitive” and aimed at making life as difficult as possible for undocumented immigrants. Despite the National Guard’s presence, she noted that she has not yet engaged in discussions with the Trump administration regarding immigration, but expressed openness to future conversations, especially with the upcoming World Cup and Olympics in the city.
Bass concluded by expressing her hope that the “reign of terror” imposed by the current administration would end soon, stating that the Pentagon’s decision to scale back National Guard troops in Los Angeles was a positive step toward restoring normalcy.