Amidst a backdrop of immigration sweeps and civil unrest in Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has boldly confronted President Donald Trump regarding his administration’s immigration policies. As the situation escalated with the presence of federal agents in the city, Bass’s stance has marked a stark shift from her previous diplomatic approach.
Standing before reporters, Bass did not mince her words. “I want to tell him to stop the raids,” she stated emphatically. “I want to tell him that this is a city of immigrants. I want to tell him that if you want to devastate the economy of the city of Los Angeles, then attack the immigrant population.”
Taking office in 2022, Mayor Bass had typically shied away from directly engaging President Trump, focusing instead on collaboration and coalition-building. However, the tumultuous week marked by aggressive immigration enforcement and protests has revealed a new chapter in her mayoral tenure.
Political observers noted that Bass has seized this moment as an opportunity to recalibrate her public image following recent criticisms regarding her handling of a fire in Palisades. GOP strategist Mike Madrid commented on her transformation, stating, “I think it’s fair to say she did not perform to expectations during the fires. I think she’s considerably improved during the current situation.”
As federal immigration agents intensified their presence across Los Angeles, targeting undocumented immigrants in public spaces, Bass has criticized Trump for inducing a climate of fear within the city. She pointed out that the president allocated over $100 million for unnecessary troops, claiming he falsely credited the National Guard for restoring order in downtown L.A. before their arrival.
This newly vocal stance against Trump has allowed Bass to transform what some viewed as a precarious leadership period into a demonstration of strength amid crisis. Responding more swiftly to the current situation, she imposed a curfew on downtown, warned of repercussions for vandalism, and highlighted the direct consequences of ICE raids on local families.
In a powerful gathering, Bass convened over 100 representatives from various sectors, including religious and community organizations, to voice opposition against the raids. The assembly showcased the diverse fabric of Los Angeles, as a multiracial crowd rallied behind Bass’s declaration that “peace begins with ICE leaving Los Angeles.”
The impact of the ICE operations has struck close to home for Bass. She shared disturbing accounts of families overwhelmed by fear, emphasizing reports of agents apprehending individuals in hospitals and apprehensions that have led to workers missing jobs and parents avoiding important life events like graduations. A pastor from Boyle Heights described his community’s feeling of being hunted, reflecting the deep emotional toll on residents.
In response to the growing discord, the Trump administration has targeted Bass with harsh remarks, including accusations from Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, claiming that her language reflected that of “the insurrectionist mob.” Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled Los Angeles a “city of criminals,” asserting that illegal behavior is being protected under Bass’s leadership.
Despite Republican threats of repercussions against outspoken Democrats, including Bass, the mayor remains undeterred. A spokesperson from the White House underscored that ICE would continue to execute immigration laws as mandated by the American public during Trump’s election.
Fernando Guerra, director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University, pointed out that the residents of Los Angeles expect their mayor to confront Trump directly, especially noting that President Biden had achieved over 70% of the vote in the city. Guerra remarked, “I would even suggest she push a little more. I don’t think there’s a cost to her politically, or even socially, to taking on Trump.”
In recent days, Bass has made numerous television and radio appearances to address the situation, warning that Los Angeles could evolve into a testing ground for Trump’s overarching strategy against Democratic leadership. This assertion coincided with Trump’s derogatory characterization of the city, branding it a “trash heap” under siege by criminal elements. Bass’s rebuttal on national television indicated her commitment to debunking Trump’s narrative.
Expressing the severe impact of the ICE raids, Bass stated, “The majority of the people who have been detained have been denied access to legal representation. This is unprecedented.”
Bass’s personal history informs her advocacy for immigrant rights; her own family is a mosaic of immigrant experiences. As her community grapples with the repercussions of the raids, Bass, who has been a steadfast advocate for immigrant rights, continually emphasizes the need for support and protection of vulnerable populations.
With escalating tensions between local and federal authorities, Bass and other California leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, have rallied in opposition to the federal government’s approach. Newsom has accused Trump of abusing power and has initiated a lawsuit against the National Guard’s deployment.
Historically, Bass has navigated local politics through alliances, often striving to build consensus across party lines. This tendency was evident in her initial efforts to engage in conversation rather than conflict with Trump during his presidency, as she focused on securing necessary federal resources for critical city issues.
Now, however, as stated by political analyst Mike Bonin, the mayor finds herself with no option but to push back against Trump, as the stakes for her city continue to rise. Bonin articulated that Bass’s well-established legacy in creating multiethnic coalitions uniquely positions her to confront the ongoing challenges.
“Given that Trump has all but declared war on Los Angeles, Bass has no choice but to punch back,” Bonin concluded, reflecting on the political necessity of her response to the current crisis. As Los Angeles navigates this turbulent chapter, it remains to be seen how Bass will further define her leadership amidst the ongoing clash between local values and federal policy.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-13/bass-takes-direct-aim-at-trump-over-immigration-raids
