Los Angeles Mayoral Race Heats Up Amid Immigration Policy Disputes

Renewed Calls for Police Chief’s Removal

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman, also a mayoral candidate, has once again called for the removal of Police Chief Jim McDonnell. Her criticism focuses on his management of federal immigration raids from the previous year. In a video interview shared online, she encourages viewers to “stop fascist liars.” Raman, who is running against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the November 3 election, denounced both McDonnell and Bass for the Los Angeles Police Department’s use of tear gas against protesters demonstrating against federal immigration arrests.

The Controversial Video

The 90-second clip, which content creator Ed Choi filmed and posted on Instagram, captures Raman’s rally at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. During the rally, she outlined her first 100 days’ agenda if elected mayor. The video begins with Raman and Choi jointly stating, “Only you can stop fascist liars!”, while an image of Bass appears on screen. By the morning of the following Tuesday, Choi had removed the video from Instagram.

Bass strongly criticized the councilmember’s remarks, claiming they attacked city police officers by labeling them “fascist liars.” Bass said, “Labeling them ‘fascists’ is extreme rhetoric and has no place here, especially from a mayoral candidate.”

Raman’s Response

Raman’s spokesperson, Liz Garcia, clarified that Raman’s comments targeted federal immigration agents and the Trump administration’s actions in Los Angeles, not Mayor Bass, Chief McDonnell, or LAPD officers. Garcia stated that Choi edited the video interview inaccurately, prompting their request to take down the post.

Legal and Safety Concerns

The LAPD faced backlash last year for firing projectiles and using munitions on protesters opposing immigration crackdowns. Video footage showed police using aggressive tactics. As a result, U.S. District Judge Hernán D. Vera barred LAPD and federal agents from using crowd control weapons against reporters and peaceful protesters, citing First Amendment rights.

Choi asked Raman how she planned to “de-fascistize” the city if elected mayor. Raman, who previously sought McDonnell’s replacement, reiterated her desire for new leadership in the LAPD. She argued that the current leadership fails to address current challenges effectively. “LAPD under this police chief and under this mayor has tear gassed protesters,” she said.

Police Union’s Objection

The Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing officers, argued that imagery used in the video was hazardous. They objected to images showing McDonnell’s face with a red circle and an X. The Police Union stated that such imagery was dangerous due to the constant threats faced by the Chief and the Mayor.

Bass’s Recent Actions

Meanwhile, Mayor Bass has emphasized her response to 2025 protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in campaign ads. Recently, she signed an ordinance limiting the use of city property for federal immigration enforcement and issued a directive mandating body camera use for city law enforcement involved in such actions.