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LA County official allegedly urged gang members to defend territory from ICE, triggering FBI probe
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FOX EXCLUSIVE: A Los Angeles County official is allegedly being investigated by the FBI after she posted a video to social media calling on gang members to defend their territory from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy in southeast Los Angeles County, allegedly shared a video on social media late last week in which she appeared to encourage 18th Street and Florencia 13 gang members to protect their turf from ICE agents.
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“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.”
Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy in southeast Los Angeles County, allegedly posted a video on social media late last week calling on 18th Street and Florencia 13 gang members to protect their turf from ICE agents. (Obtained by Fox News Digital)
The Cudahy official then seemingly goes on to tell LA gang members they need to organize and help out with local resistance efforts against ICE.
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“Don’t be trying to claim no block, no nothing,” Gonzalez said. “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.”
Toward the end of the video, the LA County official even appears to urge the leaders of the LA street gangs to “get your f***ing members in order.”
Gonzalez reportedly deleted the video shortly after posting it. She was later visited by FBI agents at her home and is now allegedly under federal investigation, according to federal sources.
A law enforcement officer walks past an ICE logo ahead of a press conference on Thursday, May 11, 2017, at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Washington, DC. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Following the incident, Gonzalez also reportedly went back on social media to say that the FBI came to her home and that she needed a lawyer, sources say.
FBI Los Angeles told Fox News they could not confirm or deny an investigation was underway, but said they condemn any call for gang violence.
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In an X post on Tuesday night, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security called the comments made by Gonzalez “despicable.”
“She calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th street gang — to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wrote. “This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers. Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Sheriff deputies stand among tear gas during a “No Kings” movement protest in the one-square mile area where daily protests were occurring in response to a series of federal immigration raids on June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (David McNew/Getty Images)
The City of Cudahy also released a statement on Tuesday acknowledging Gonzalez’s social media comments, writing that her statements reflect her personal views and “do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy.”
The 18th Street gang has around 30,000 to 50,000 members, with its main source of income being distribution of cocaine and marijuana. Members also commit assault, auto theft, carjacking and robbery, among other crimes. Florencia 13 is a street gang based out of southern Los Angeles. Its members have recently been accused of crimes including fentanyl trafficking, extortion and murder, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Earlier this week, LA City Controller Kenneth Mejia announced the recent anti-ICE protests will cost taxpayers $32 million. The protests, touted by many demonstrators as “peaceful,” resulted in nearly a dozen deputies suffering injuries.
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Gonzalez and the City of Cudahy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department responded to a fire on the 200 block of Boy Scout Road Sunday afternoon, officials say.
Officials on the scene said they are no reported injuries and that there were six buildings impacted by the fire.
According to our crews, the buildings look to be a part of the Ventana Townhomes.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office shut down portions of Boy Scout Road between Skinner Mill Road and Commons Boulevard while crews battled the fire.
Dispatchers said they started receiving calls about the fire around 2:34 p.m.
We are working to learn the cause.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Washington, D.C
White supremacist group demonstrates on Capitol Hill ahead of America 250 celebrations
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A self-proclaimed white supremacist group demonstrated on Capitol Hill on Independence Day, ahead of the America 250 celebrations in the District.
The group, Patriot Front, is recognized by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist hate group that is an offshoot of Vanguard America, a now-inactive neo-Nazi group known for leading the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Va.
George Washington University’s Program on Extremism explained, “Patriot Front is a white nationalist and fascist organization that promotes the idea of a homogenous, white ethno-state in the United States. The group advocates for the preservation of white European culture, viewing multiculturalism, immigration, and diversity as existential threats to its vision of America.”
According to the Associated Press, hundreds of uniformed members of the group could be seen wearing white masks, carrying drums, combat shields, and flags. The group could be heard chanting, “Reclaim America,” as they marched past the U.S. Capitol building towards Union Station. Group members were also seen crowding several Metro stations.
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In this image provided by Mark Sherman, members of the group Patriot Front wear masks as they march through Washington before Independence Day events honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (Mark Sherman via AP)
Some of the flags included the Confederate flag and the fascio flag, which combines “fascist imagery with American patriotism” and was first used in fascist Italy under Benito Mussolini, according to GWU.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Patriot Front is considered one of the U.S.’ most visible white supremacist groups, frequently participating in localized “flash demonstrations.”
As described in Patriot Front’s manifesto, the group claimed, “The time of the Republic has passed in America as the system grows too weak to perform its duty. … The damage done to this nation and its people will not be fixed if every issue requires the approval and blessing from the dysfunctional American democratic system. Democracy has failed in this once great nation.”
According to U.S. Park Police, no injuries were reported, and there is no threat to public safety.
Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department told DC News Now, “The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was tracking First Amendment activities that occurred this morning in the Eastern Market neighborhood. MPD recognizes the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors.”
DC News Now reached out to the Southern Poverty Law Center for comment but has yet to hear back.
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