ICE in LA: Mayor Bass confronts federal agents in MacArthur Park, demands withdrawal

"This was an absolute clown show," City council president says of MacArthur Park raid
LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson condemned Monday's immigration raid at MacArthur Park, calling it a clown show and fear tactics.
LOS ANGELES - A federal immigration sweep occurred in broad daylight at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles' Westlake District late Monday morning.
LA Mayor Karen Bass later called the incident "outrageous and un-American."
What we know:
Aerial images from SkyFOX showed several agents surrounding the famed park at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and S. Alvarado Street around 10:45 a.m.
A black Department of Homeland Security helicopter was seen overhead, while agents on the ground were in armored vehicles, unmarked white vans, and on horseback.
By 11:07 a.m., LA Mayor Karen Bass was at the scene in a pale mint green suit. She was quickly surrounded by local media as well as federal agents. A short time later, she left the area in a city-issued vehicle.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was at the scene of an apparent ICE raid in MacArthur Park on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Authorities confirmed no one was detained in the incident.
Mayor Bass: ‘No plan other than fear, chaos and politics'
What they're saying:

Bass confronts ICE in LA
A scene of armored vehicles, mounted officers, and confused residents unfolded in MacArthur Park today as a massive Border Patrol force descended on the area. Yet, despite the significant federal presence, not a single arrest was made. This "big show" prompted a swift and direct intervention from Mayor Karen Bass, who confronted federal agents in real time, demanding answers and ultimately their immediate departure.
A FOX 11 photojournalist was on the ground as Mayor Bass was surrounded.
FOX 11's camera was rolling as Mayor Bass was heard asking, "Can I talk to ‘em?" and he responded by saying, "I’ll get her on the phone."
She then took the phone to speak to the border patrol agent's commander and is heard saying "They have completed their mission here" and asking "What's the timeframe before they leave?"
She then returns the phone to a border patrol agent.
Seconds later, she was asked if she'd like to make a statement, and she immediately responded by saying, "They need to leave and they need to leave right now because this is unacceptable!"

Mayor Bass later shared her perspective of the situation on social media.
"This is footage from today in MacArthur Park.
Minutes before, there were more than 20 kids playing — then, the MILITARY comes through.
The SECOND I heard about this, I went to the park to speak to the person in charge to tell them it needed to end NOW.
Absolutely outrageous," she wrote.
On Monday afternoon, Bass played the same clip during a news briefing where she shared her account of the morning's events.

Mayor Karen Bass discusses MacArthur Park raid
Hours after federal agents swept MacArthur Park, LA Mayor Karen Bass and other city leaders made remarks during a news conference.
She explained a group of children were there as part of their summer camp program before federal agents moved in.
"In my opinion, it's a political agenda of invoking fear and terror," she said. "No plan other than fear, chaos, and politics."
Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson also made remarks and said, "We need ICE out of LA, now."

'We need ICE out of LA now': LA City Council President
Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President of the Los Angeles City Council, discussed Monday morning's immigration sweep at MacArthur sweep, saying "We need ICE out of LA now."
Mayor Bass concluded by saying "this city stands divided," and that any attempts to divide the city have failed.
The backstory:
The ongoing anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles and Orange counties erupted following widespread anger over the agency's enforcement tactics that began on Friday, June 6.
Community leaders reported incidents of ICE appearing at elementary school graduations, disrupting the legitimate immigration processes at various courthouses, and aggressively raiding workplaces and locations like Home Depot. These actions, perceived as arbitrary and invasive, sparked outrage among residents and galvanized the public into widespread demonstrations across Los Angeles County.
SUGGESTED: Large group in downtown LA rallies against ICE, federal immigration enforcement

LA Mayor, feds clash over ICE raids
The fight continues between Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the U.S. military in the wake of the heavy federal agent presence in MacArthur Park.
The other side:
"We don't comment on ongoing enforcement operations," a senior DHS official told FOX 11.
FOX News' Bill Melugin spoke to Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino who, like Secretary Noem, said agents aren't going anymore.
"I don't work for Karen Bass," Bovino said. "Better get used to us now, cause this is going to be normal very soon. We will go anywhere, anytime we want in Los Angeles."

Federal agent to Mayor Bass: 'We’re not leaving LA — get used to it'
As Mayor Karen Bass calls for an end to federal operations in Los Angeles, a federal agent makes it clear: "The federal government doesn't work for Karen Bass."
"I'm not going to get used to it because last I checked, I was elected to be mayor of this city that did not include a federal takeover," Bass said in response during Monday afternoon's press conference.
The Source: Information from aerial images from SkyFOX, state and local officials, a statement from the Department of Homeland Security and FOX News reporter Bill Melugin.