Mayor Karen Bass on Protest, Resilience, and Rebuilding in a City Under Siege
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from July 2, 2025 | Mayor Karen Bass on Federal Troops in L.A.: What Comes Next? The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined longtime journalist Patt Morrison to reflect on a tumultuous period in the city’s history. As Bass navigates coordinated immigration raids, protest movements, and budget shortfalls, she remains focused on keeping Los Angeles united. With experience as a physician’s assistant, social worker, Assembly Speaker, and U.S. Congresswoman, Bass brings a unique blend of compassion and political savvy to her leadership. Their wide-ranging conversation explored the balance between public safety and civil rights, the economic toll on working families, and how LA is preparing to welcome the world despite internal upheaval.
Protest and Perception: Drawing the Line
Mayor Bass was unequivocal in her defense of peaceful protest, calling it “part of our DNA in Los Angeles.” Following federal immigration raids, residents across the city took to the streets, echoing decades of immigrant rights demonstrations. Yet, some in the media and federal government painted the city as lawless, pointing to scattered vandalism and unrest.
Bass rejected this characterization, noting that out of 500 square miles of city, only two saw disruption. “What we experienced was not a riot—it was provocation followed by protest, followed by a few isolated incidents,” she said. “And we responded swiftly with curfews and clear expectations.” Bass emphasized that violent behavior, especially when it damages symbols of the city’s immigrant heritage, undermines the very communities protesters claim to support.
A City Shaken but Not Broken
While the media spotlight has dimmed, the effects of immigration enforcement linger. Bass described neighborhoods like the Garment District and East LA as ghost towns, with small businesses shuttered and residents too afraid to leave their homes. She recounted restaurant owners who said business is worse now than during COVID, and families skipping graduations out of fear of raids.
“This isn’t just policy—it’s trauma,” Bass said. “It’s people too frightened to buy groceries, too anxious to show up for work.” The fear has even impacted legal residents who are now skipping required immigration check-ins, putting their status at risk.
The LAPD's Balancing Act
When asked about the LAPD’s role in immigration enforcement, Bass acknowledged the complexity. Under Special Order 40, officers are not to collaborate with federal immigration agencies. However, when federal agents carry out operations—often masked and in unmarked vehicles—the LAPD is tasked with maintaining order, leading some residents to perceive them as complicit.
Bass said that while LAPD is legally obligated to provide crowd and traffic control, it must walk a fine line. “Their presence is often misinterpreted, but that doesn’t mean we stop evaluating their response,” she noted, adding that she’s in ongoing dialogue with the police commission to ensure accountability, particularly regarding the treatment of journalists and protesters.
Moving Forward: Unity and Civic Pride
Despite the challenges, Bass highlighted several bright spots. Homelessness is down in key areas like Hollywood and Venice. The city has re-launched the Angeleno Card program to support families affected by immigration raids. And most importantly, Los Angeles remains unified.
“In some places, this kind of issue would divide a city. Not here,” Bass said. “We’ve seen compassion, outrage, and support across every neighborhood.”
Looking ahead, Bass is preparing the city for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Her “Shine LA” campaign invites residents to participate in monthly beautification efforts, showcasing the city’s resilience and readiness.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.