Fact Check: "Department of Homeland Security labels Gonzalez's comments 'despicable'"
What We Know
Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California, recently faced backlash for comments made in a now-deleted social media video. In the video, she appeared to call on local gang members to take action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting immigration sweeps in the area. Gonzalez stated, "You guys tag everything up, claiming hood, and now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you," referring to the presence of federal agents as an invasion (NBC News, CBS News).
In response to her remarks, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement calling Gonzalez's comments "despicable," asserting that they could incite violence against federal law enforcement officers. The DHS emphasized that her comments contribute to a climate that has seen a significant increase in assaults against ICE agents (NBC News, CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that the Department of Homeland Security labeled Gonzalez's comments as "despicable" is supported by multiple credible sources. Both NBC News and CBS News reported on the DHS's statement, which explicitly condemned her remarks and linked them to a rise in violence against ICE agents (NBC News, CBS News).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. The statements from DHS were also made publicly, which adds to their credibility. The context of Gonzalez's comments, made during a time of heightened immigration enforcement, further underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications of her words.
Critics, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, have called for her resignation and possible prosecution, indicating that her comments were not only viewed as irresponsible but potentially illegal (NBC News, CBS News). This backlash reinforces the notion that her comments were widely perceived as crossing a line.
Conclusion
The claim that the Department of Homeland Security labeled Cynthia Gonzalez's comments as "despicable" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable news sources confirms that the DHS issued a statement condemning her remarks, which they argued could incite violence against federal law enforcement officers. The context and the reactions from law enforcement further validate the seriousness of the situation and the accuracy of the claim.
