A Vice Mayor on the Frontlines
The tough Latina Vice Mayor of Cudahy, California, Cynthia Gonzalez, has been in the news after days of being in the middle of it all. During the illegal raids by ICE, bounty hunters, some local police, sheriffs, and Trump supporters who were granted permission to target Latino citizens, Gonzalez was out in the streets supporting her community. She told the federal agents to stop harassing the citizens of her city.
But what made the news even more striking was her call to action for local gang members. Gonzalez challenged well-known street gangs, including 18th Street and Florence, to come out and support their community. She noted that many Chicanos, Latinos, and other citizens were already protesting peacefully against the raids and questioned why gang members were not speaking up.
Her call had a significant impact. Members of these gangs, along with others across LA County and Southern California, responded respectfully to support their communities.
Government Response and Legal Outcome
California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Chicano and Latino leadership challenged Trump’s actions. A judge ultimately ordered the National Guard to be removed from the streets of California, marking a victory for community-led protests.
To all the brave people who stood up with peaceful demonstrations: thank you. The community, including people of all colors, showed Trump and his team that illegal actions against Latinos would not be tolerated.
Many local law enforcement officers refused to participate in these actions, earning respect from the community.
Cudahy: A City of Chicano and Latino Residents
Cudahy is a Los Angeles suburb home to 22,000 residents, about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown LA. According to U.S. Census data, 97% of residents identify as Chicano or Latino.
Interestingly, MAGA Republicans even attempted to remove Gonzalez from office and considered jail time for her leadership and public statements. Comparisons were made between her actions and Trump’s January 6, 2021, attack on the White House. In the end, Latino media coverage and public support ensured that she remained in her position.
Social Media Controversy
Gonzalez’s comments on social media, in a now-deleted video, called on gang members to defend their neighborhoods:
“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… We’re out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people, and, like, where you at?”
The Department of Homeland Security condemned her remarks as “despicable,” claiming they could incite assaults against federal ICE agents. The Los Angeles Police Protective League also called for her resignation and potential prosecution, arguing that her statements put law enforcement at risk.
Gonzalez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background on Cynthia Gonzalez
According to her city biography:
- Gonzalez grew up in nearby Huntington Park, daughter of immigrant parents.
- She has two daughters.
- She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara and two master’s degrees in education from UCLA, where she also earned a doctorate in educational leadership.
- She worked as a teacher and principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District and is currently the director of pilot schools support and innovation.
- She is passionate about creating healthy and safe communities for students and families.
The school district confirmed that Gonzalez has been on leave of absence since June 1, 2025. The city of Cudahy stated that her comments reflect her personal views and do not represent the official position of the city.
Election Details
Gonzalez was elected in 2022 with 880 votes. California municipal elections are nonpartisan, meaning party labels do not appear on the ballot.
