Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Sues ICE Over MacArthur Park Raid

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has vocally condemned the presence and actions of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and military personnel in MacArthur Park, describing their operation as "outrageous," "un-American," and an effort to instill fear in immigrant communities. She criticized the deployment of armed federal agents, including National Guard troops and U.S. Marines, in public parks where children were reportedly present, calling the military-style operation a tactic to terrorize residents. Despite Bass's condemnation and efforts to have ICE agents leave the park, federal officials affirmed the permanence of their presence to complete their mission, with ICE targeting gang members such as MS-13. The park, known locally for drug abuse and crime, has been the focus of federal intervention, which Bass and some city council members argue threatens civil liberties and community safety. Bass has also pursued legal action to stop the raids, framing them as politically motivated actions by the federal government under the Trump administration. The situation has sparked protests and debate over federal versus local authority, the criminal justice approach in immigrant communities, and the safety of public spaces in Los Angeles.