LA Mayor Karen Bass Condemns ICE Raid in Little Tokyo as Provocation

Mayor Bass Denounces ICE Raid

• 🎯 Mayor Karen Bass strongly condemned a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operation in Little Tokyo, calling it a "complete provocation" and "unbelievably disrespectful."
• ⚠️ She stated there was "no way this was a coincidence," occurring during a press conference by Governor Newsom on redistricting.
• ⚡ Bass asserted that the raid had "nothing to do with safety" and was instead a source of disorder in Los Angeles.

Accusations of Intentional Disruption

• 🏛️ The Mayor believes the CBP intentionally staged the operation to "thumb their nose in front of the governor's face" and disrespect the governor, the museum, and the state.
• 🚫 She expressed disappointment in the commander's explanation of a "routine patrol," stating it was a deliberate act to cause trouble.
• ⚖️ Bass highlighted that the raid violated a court order which prohibits detentions based on physical appearance, language, or type of work.

Concerns Over Due Process and Transparency

• ❓ The family of the detained strawberry vendor was angry and seeking information about their family member's whereabouts and the reason for detention.
• 📄 The commander stated there was one arrest but did not disclose the charge, which Mayor Bass suggested might be due to a lack of substance.
• ✊ Bass vowed to "push back" and use "every tool in our toolbox" to protect Angelinos, but noted the difficulty when the federal government itself violates the law.

Broader Implications and Community Response

• 🏫 The incident occurred on the first day of school, raising concerns about children and parents fearing capture.
• 🗣️ Councilwoman Isabelle Herado and Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez echoed the Mayor's sentiments, describing the event as a "kidnapping" without a warrant or due process.
• ✊ They emphasized the community's rapid response network and their commitment to fighting back against such actions and protecting residents' constitutional rights.
• 🚨 The speakers also drew parallels to other issues, including the situation at UCLA, framing the ICE operation as part of a broader assault on the city.