Los Angeles Democratic Mayor Karen Bass sparked controversy on social media this week after she attempted to interfere with ICE agents conducting immigration raids, calling it “outrageous” and “un-American.”

Bass, who has been a vocal opponent of immigration raids in the city, appeared at the scene and demanded to speak with ICE leadership when agents were conducting an operation near MacArthur Park on Monday.

“They need to leave, and they need to leave right now. They need to leave because this is unacceptable!” Bass said at the scene.

Bass claimed on social media that there were children playing at the park, which is well known in the area as a hotbed for homelessness and crime even during daylight hours.

Bass’s actions sparked immediate pushback from critics on social media.

“If only Karen Bass worked as hard for fire victims in Los Angeles as she does criminal illegals,” GOP Congressman Darrell Issa, who represents California’s 48th Congressional District, posted on X.

“Democrats aren’t used to seeing the law being enforced,” Jeremy Redfern, communications director for Florida Republican AG James Uthmeier, posted on X. “But luckily, Karen was able to speak to the manager.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stands in front of a border patrol federal agent at MacArthur Park Monday, July 7, 2025, in Los Angeles.