Long Beach mayoral hopeful Rogelio Martinez is facing intense criticism after publicly urging local gangs to band together against federal immigration enforcement in the city.
In a video circulated on social media, Martinez positioned himself outside Long Beach City Hall and issued a direct appeal to gang leaders, asserting that 55 gangs operate in the area, and summoning them to gather with him at City Hall on Monday, according to The Post Millennial.
He framed his outreach as a citywide mobilization, declaring, I am calling all 55 gangs in my beautiful city, and specifying, Im calling the Latino gangs. Im calling the Cambodian gangs. Im calling the Filipino gangs. Im calling the black gangs. Im calling the Pacific Islander gangs. Im calling all gang leaders to meet me right here, Long Beach City Hall, this coming Monday.
Martinez claimed the purpose of the meeting would be to take back this city, insisting that current leadership has failed and that law enforcement is powerless. He escalated his rhetoric against federal authorities, stating, ICE needs to get out of Long Beach, and this is the only way that I know how to get them out, adding that it should be done Peacefully, but with strong force.
The remarks ignited swift backlash online, particularly from conservatives who saw the appeal as an open invitation for criminal elements to challenge federal law. Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck condemned the move on X, writing, Democrats are basically doing organized crime. Secret signal chats to coordinate plans to stop ICE and attacking them apparently wasnt 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.
The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of a broader, left-leaning protest movement targeting immigration enforcement nationwide. Long Beach joined other cities in a coordinated Friday walkout, with thousands of Long Beach Unified School District students skipping class and marching to City Hall, hoisting signs that read F*** ICE and Defund ICE.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, tensions escalated when clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, with the Long Beach Police Department stating that objects were hurled at officers, prompting an unlawful assembly declaration.
The crowds eventually dispersed, but the episode underscored a growing divide between progressive activists seeking to undermine ICE and those who believe public officials should be defending law, order, and the safety of law-abiding citizens rather than courting gang leaders for political gain.
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