Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass criticized masked federal agents operating in her city during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. Bass said residents were alarmed by reports of agents in unmarked vehicles, lacking clear identification, and forcibly detaining individuals on the streets of Los Angeles.
Bass described the city as a community of immigrants, noting that nearly half the population is Latino. She said that as raids began, fear spread quickly, especially when armed, unidentified individuals began pulling people off the street.
“Masked men in unmarked cars, with no license plates, no clear uniforms, and rifles, jumping out of vehicles and snatching people — it looked like kidnappings,” said Bass. “How do you have masked men who then say, ‘we are federal officials,’ without any identification?”
In response, host Martha Raddatz cited federal officials who claim agents wear masks due to safety concerns and threats, including doxxing. Bass pushed back, comparing the conduct to local law enforcement’s approach.
“Our police department deals with crime every day, and they’re not masked,” said Bass. “They stay here. These masked men parachute in and leave. If you enter the profession of law enforcement, I’m sorry — you do not have a right to wear a mask and snatch people off the street.”
The comments highlight ongoing tensions between local officials and federal immigration enforcement, particularly under renewed deportation efforts. Critics argue federal agents’ tactics undermine community trust and public safety, while supporters contend they are necessary to uphold immigration law.
