The Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) — a police union that represents more than 8,900 members of the LAPD — is calling for the resignation and prosecution of a local official after she seemingly encouraged gangs to defend their territory from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy in southeast Los Angeles County, allegedly shared a video on social media late last week in which she appeared to urge 18th Street and Florencia 13 gang members to protect their turf from ICE agents. The LAPPL said Gonzalez’s video put law enforcement officers at greater risk of harm.

Earlier this month, anti-ICE protests in LA resulted in nearly a dozen deputies suffering injuries as protesters launched rocks, Molotov cocktails and “high-grade pyrotechnics” at them, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna announced recently.

“In the last riots within the city of Los Angeles, we had 52 officers that were injured —12 that are still recovering at home from their injuries,” Mendoza said. “…And now [Mendoza’s] calling on these [gang members] as a call to action. It’s irresponsible.”

California Highway Patrol on Alameda Street looking toward the Roybal federal building to prevent protesters from coming through in Los Angeles, California, on June 9, 2025.  (Carlin Still/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

After posting the video, Gonzalez was visited by FBI agents at her home and is now allegedly under federal investigation, according to federal sources. 

FBI Los Angeles told Fox News they could not confirm or deny an investigation was underway, but said they condemn any call for gang violence.

In an X post on Tuesday night, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security called the comments made by Gonzalez “despicable.”

“She calls for criminal gangs — including the vicious 18th street gang — to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wrote. “This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers. Secretary Noem has been clear: If you assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Cynthia Gonzalez and the City of Cudahy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.