Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Debate Claiming Armed Resistance Against ICE

Ron Gochez, a Los Angeles high school history teacher and spokesperson for the anti-ICE group Unión del Barrio, sparked controversy after stating at a news conference that ICE agents are "not the only ones with guns" in South Central Los Angeles, implying that residents have the right to defend themselves against immigration authorities. His comments came just hours after a violent incident involving a federal agent and an undocumented immigrant who was shot during an enforcement operation. Gochez emphasized that his remarks were not a call to violence but an assertion of self-defense rights, which has drawn sharp criticism from commentators who view his statements as threatening federal law enforcement. The incident follows California legislation banning law enforcement from wearing masks during immigration operations, a law opposed by the Trump administration. Critics argue that Gochez's stance reflects a radical shift in attitudes among some public school educators and raises concerns about the message being conveyed to students. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community resistance in Los Angeles.