An intense standoff unfolded Monday morning in Los Angeles as Mayor Karen Bass publicly clashed with federal agents during an immigration raid at MacArthur Park.
The raid took place in the city’s Westlake district, an area near Wilshire Boulevard and South Alvarado Street. Multiple federal agents, supported by helicopters and armored vehicles, descended on the popular park to conduct what appeared to be a large-scale immigration operation.
Despite Los Angeles being a sanctuary city, federal authorities pressed ahead with the action.
According to eyewitnesses, Mayor Karen Bass arrived at the scene shortly after 11:00 a.m. She immediately called for the operation to stop. “They have no business here. They need to leave — now,” Bass told agents, expressing frustration over the raid happening on city grounds.
BREAKING: LA Mayor Karen Bass just arrived on scene. She is speaking with Border Patrol. pic.twitter.com/3ibCu5uLKf
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 7, 2025
However, Border Patrol officials were quick to reject the Mayor’s demands. Gregory Bovino, one of the top federal officers at the scene, made it clear that the operation would continue.
“I don’t work for Karen Bass,” Bovino stated in an interview with Fox News reporter Bill Melugin. “She better get used to this because we’ll be operating across Los Angeles whenever we need to.”
🚨 “They need to leave and they need to leave right now!” @MayorOfLA @KarenBassLA arrives at MacArthur Park as federal agents raid the area.
— Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) July 7, 2025
She demands to speak to the person in charge and is given a cell phone to speak with leadership.
Video via @FOXLA’s @sdprod 🚨 pic.twitter.com/uKyv0EgyAT
A Strong Federal Presence at MacArthur Park
SkyFOX aerial footage showed a heavy federal presence throughout MacArthur Park. A black helicopter from the Department of Homeland Security hovered above while agents patrolled the park on horseback and in armored vehicles.
The dramatic scene drew attention from both the media and local residents. Mayor Bass, wearing a powder blue suit, briefly spoke to reporters before leaving the area in a city-issued vehicle.
Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
The operation has reignited debate over federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. While local leaders push to protect undocumented individuals, federal agencies continue their efforts to uphold immigration laws.
It remains unclear how many people were detained during the sweep. However, officials signaled that similar operations could become more frequent in the coming weeks.
As tensions between city leadership and federal agencies grow, Los Angeles residents are left watching closely to see how the situation will unfold.
NEW: I just spoke to Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino @USBPChiefELC, who was the official on the phone with LA Mayor Karen Bass at MacArthur Park today. I asked him for his message to her, as she demands raids end?
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 7, 2025
“I don’t work for Karen Bass. Better get used to us now, cause…
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