It’s not just the Department of Homeland Security blasting Cynthia Gonzalez, vice mayor of Cudahy, a Los Angeles County city, for what she posted on social media. Now the FBI is getting involved, reportedly opening an investigation into the elected official.
In the now-deleted video, Gonzalez calls on 18th Street and Florencia 13 gang members to defend their “turf” against federal immigration enforcement officers.
"Not for nothing, but I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles," Gonzalez said in the video. "18th Street, Florencia — Where's the leadership at? Because you guys are all about territory … 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 kept going, telling the gang leaders to “get your f***ing members in order.”
"Don't be trying to claim no block, no nothing," Gonzalez added. "If you're not showing up right now, trying to help out and organize, I don't want to hear a peep out of you once they're gone."
According to Fox News' Bill Melugin, Gonzalez "posted on her social media that the FBI came to her house, and she needs a lawyer."
Link to Gonzalez’s profile as vice mayor on the city of Cudahy’s website.https://t.co/hphfdp571x pic.twitter.com/eStY9zCJcV
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 24, 2025
Additionally, last month, UCLA hired Gonzalez as their new “Director of the Principal Leadership Institute”, describing her as a leader in “educational equity and social justice”. The LA Times also previously endorsed her as the “best pick” for LAUSD school board. pic.twitter.com/wvzyPq0Uve
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) June 24, 2025
DHS blasted the "despicable" comments and said "this kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers."
The comments made by the Vice Mayor of Cudahy, CA, Cynthia Gonzalez, are despicable. She calls for criminal gangs – including the vicious 18th street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 25, 2025
This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase… pic.twitter.com/c7yX0xB5o7