NOTE: Video and X-post at the end of the article.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under fire after flatly rejecting a proposal to meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid escalating tensions in the city related to immigration enforcement actions.
Over the weekend, Los Angeles witnessed a wave of protests and violent clashes following ICE operations targeting individuals with final removal orders. The situation quickly deteriorated into riots, including acts of vandalism, arson, and assaults on law enforcement. Despite this chaos, Bass doubled down on her refusal to engage with federal immigration authorities.
Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that a Fox producer approached Bass on Tuesday to ask if she would consider meeting with ICE officials to discuss a potential cooperation strategy. Bass’s response was unequivocal. “The only deal is for ICE to go home,” she reportedly said, making it clear she had no interest in working with the agency.
ICE officials swiftly issued a blistering response. Emily Covington, Assistant Director of the ICE Office of Public Affairs, slammed Bass’s stance, accusing her of prioritizing politics over public safety.
“ICE isn’t going anywhere and will continue to do what Mayor Bass has utterly failed to do — protect the citizens of Los Angeles,” Covington said in a statement. “If she wants distance from federal law enforcement, I’m sure there is an upcoming diplomatic trip to Ghana.”
This public feud reflects broader national tensions between federal immigration authorities and Democrat-led cities that have adopted “sanctuary” policies—refusing to assist ICE with enforcement even in cases involving criminal convictions or final removal orders. ICE officials argue such policies obstruct law enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
Adding fuel to the fire, former Trump advisor Stephen Miller weighed in, accusing Bass of using “the language of insurrection” in her remarks. Bass attempted to respond on social media, though she did not directly address Miller’s accusation or clarify her position on ICE cooperation.
Miller followed up by sharing a now-viral image from the LA riots showing a masked protester waving a foreign flag atop a burning vehicle—a symbol that many online have used to criticize the city’s handling of the unrest.
As public concern grows over rising lawlessness and a perceived lack of leadership, Bass’s refusal to engage with ICE may further inflame debate over immigration policy, federal enforcement, and the responsibilities of local officials during times of crisis.
With the 2024 election still fresh in the public mind, this clash may become yet another flashpoint in the national conversation on border security and law enforcement cooperation.
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https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/1940211147183149290
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
