"ICE needs to get out of Long Beach, and this is the only way that I know how to get them out."
Long Beach mayoral candidate Rogelio Martinez drew backlash after calling on local gangs to unite in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city.
In a video posted on social media, Martinez stood outside Long Beach City Hall and appealed directly to gang leaders across the city, claiming there are 55 gangs operating locally. He called on them to meet him at City Hall on Monday.
“I am calling all 55 gangs in my beautiful city,” Martinez said. “I’m calling the Latino gangs. I’m calling the Cambodian gangs. I’m calling the Filipino gangs. I’m calling the black gangs. I’m calling the Pacific Islander gangs. I’m calling all gang leaders to meet me right here, Long Beach City Hall, this coming Monday.”
Martinez said the goal of the meeting would be to “take back this city,” arguing that city leadership has failed to act and that police are “powerless.”
“ICE needs to get out of Long Beach, and this is the only way that I know how to get them out,” he said. “Peacefully, but with strong force.”
The video quickly sparked outrage online. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck criticized Martinez in a post on X, writing, “Democrats are basically doing organized crime. Secret signal chats to coordinate plans to stop ICE and attacking them apparently wasn’t enough. Now this candidate wants to unite 55 gangs in Long Beach against ICE agents. Many of which are illegals. All of them belong in prison.”
Long Beach was among many cities nationwide that saw protests on Friday as part of a coordinated walkout, which included students who skipped school to protest immigration enforcement. Thousands of Long Beach Unified School District students participated, with many marching to City Hall carrying signs reading “F*** ICE” and “Defund ICE.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, clashes also broke out between protesters and police at some point on Friday, and the Long Beach Police Department said objects were thrown at officers, prompting authorities to declare an unlawful assembly. The crowds dispersed following the declaration.
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