Mayor Bass and 20+ Local Mayors Lead Hearing to Expose ICE Abuses & Response

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EDS: Photos and b-roll available here.

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass joined more than 20 mayors from across the region to lead a town hall and field hearing in Downtown Los Angeles, titled "On the Frontlines: Confronting the Human Cost of ICE Deportations and Defending Our Communities."This gathering brought together more than 200 participants, including city leaders, immigrant advocates, faith-based organizations, and residents directly impacted by ongoing federal immigration enforcement.

The regional hearing revealed the urgent pressures weighing on immigrant communities, showing how the federal raids threaten basic rights and disrupt families throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. As ICE operations grow more aggressive, residents and local leaders struggle with the everyday realities of protecting those most at risk. Personal testimonies highlighted repeated rights violations, offering a vivid account of the human consequences of immigration enforcement both in the region and across the country.

"Listen to these testimonies from Angelenos-it's gut-wrenching and heartbreaking. Los Angeles will not stand for ICE's fear, intimidation and unlawful targeting," said Mayor Karen Bass. "Today's hearing exposed the devastating effects on Angelenos-including U.S. citizens-who have been detained without cause, assaulted, and stripped of their freedom. These stories are not only alarming-they are intolerable. Such attacks strike at the very heart of our city, and we are seeing their impact spread across the county. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with more than 20 regional mayors, united in our commitment to protect every resident and uphold justice at every turn."

"Unconstitutional immigration raids and the fear they create go against the moral fabric of our nation and the fundamental rights our Constitution is meant to protect," said San Fernando Mayor Joel Fajardo. "In cities like San Fernando, immigrant families are our neighbors, our small business owners, and an essential part of the fabric of our community. When families live with fear and uncertainty, it affects entire neighborhoods, local businesses, and the stability of our communities. Our country is strongest when we uphold human rights, treat people with dignity, and remember that the values of justice and compassion are at the heart of who we are."

"Today's hearing is about bringing together elected leaders and community partners from all across our region to speak with one voice to end the trauma and hostility this federal administration has inflicted on the hardworking immigrant families and communities who call LA County home," said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. "The community testimonies gathered on the record at today's forum will provide an essential tool to hold this administration accountable for the atrocities it has waged against our diverse local neighborhoods and economy."

"Today's hearings show through a diversity of testimony and evidence that what we have and are collectively experiencing across Southern California is nothing less than federally sponsored attacks rooted in racism and white supremacy, " said Maegan Ortiz - Executive Director IDEPSCA. "Today also shows that despite attempts to alter the very landscape of SoCal, we are united in truth, justice and the continued struggle to protect and love one another through protest and policy. I am proud to participate and be part of the archive of our resistance."

"Immigration raids that terrorize transgender immigrants are not only unconstitutional, they are inhumane," said Bamby Salcedo, President and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition. "Transgender immigrants deserve to live with dignity and safety - not fear. Our country is strongest when we protect the human rights of all people, regardless of immigration status or gender identity.

Witnesses included:

• Yansi Lopez, Business Owner, South Gate

• Angelica Salas, Executive Director, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

• Bamby Salcedo, Founder, TransLatin@ Coalition

• Diego M., Rapid Response Organizer, ORALE, Long Beach

• Memo Torres, Director of Engagement and multimedia journalist for the James Beard award-winning L.A. Taco

• Rev. Tanya Lopez,Faith Leader, Downey

Mayor Karen Bass has been tenacious in defending Los Angeles families and standing up for immigrant communities under assault. In June of 2025, Los Angeles became a frontline test of the Trump administration's aggressive and unlawful immigration raids. Rising to the challenge, Mayor Bass issued Executive Directive 12 and, with philanthropic and private partners, mobilized $1.7 million in immediate relief for affected families. ED12 has since set the standard for other cities-including Portland, Minneapolis, and Chicago-facing similar federal threats.

As federal enforcement efforts escalated, marked by high-profile operations and tragic civilian deaths in Los Angeles and Minneapolis,Executive Directive 17was launched to sharply expand protections and defend Angelenos from federal overreach. Through ED17, Mayor Bass has taken decisive action to safeguard immigrant communities, including the following directives:

• Mandates that City property is not utilized by federal immigration agents for staging areas, processing locations, or bases of operation.

• Requests the Board of Police Commissioners to direct the Police Chief to update LAPD's protocols related to federal immigration action.

• Provides guidance on implementing state law that prohibits masking of federal immigration agents.

• Directs the Department of City Planning to prepare an ordinance regarding private property owners who give site control for immigration enforcement and related activities.

• Begins the process to ensure that City contractors disclose whether they have agreements with the Department of Homeland Security.

Through Executive Directive 17, Mayor Bass reaffirms Los Angeles' commitment to protecting its immigrant residents and ensuring that City policies prioritize safety, trust, and community well-being.