Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy, faced backlash for a TikTok video perceived as calling on street gangs to oppose immigration enforcement. She apologized, clarifying the message aimed to empower local residents to protect their community and organize against perceived injustices. Gonzalez insisted her intent was misunderstood, stating it was about community solidarity and not about violence. In her controversial video, she addressed specific gangs to raise awareness about the challenges faced by their neighborhoods regarding federal actions. Critics voiced their concerns during a City Council meeting, highlighting the mixed reception of her comments.
The message was not about violence. It was about regular people ... claiming ownership of our streets in a time of great distress and asking others, who I mentioned in my video, in organizing and protesting against the harm and violence being inflicted on our community.
Those that inserted a narrative of violence into my video weaponized it in a way that is totally inconsistent with my life's work.
I want to know where all the cholos are at in Los Angeles ... now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you.
It's everyone else who's not about the gang life that's out there protesting and speaking up. We're out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?
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