Feds Storm MS-13 Stronghold as L.A. Mayor Bass Demands They Stand Down [WATCH]

The Department of Defense issued a direct and forceful message on Monday in response to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who attempted to halt a major federal immigration enforcement raid targeting the MacArthur Park area, a known MS-13 stronghold.

The Department confirmed the presence of military personnel on the ground supporting the operation, which was led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.

“U.S. military personnel are on the ground to ensure the safety of federal agents,” the Department of Defense posted on X.

“We will protect federal law enforcement and assist by establishing a security perimeter.”

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The raid, which was one of the largest federal immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles in recent memory, involved hundreds of agents and military personnel.

Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, who was on site, posted, “BREAKING: We are with hundreds of federal agents and military as a massive federal immigration enforcement operation is underway in the MacArthur Park area of the sanctuary city of Los Angeles, an area with heavy MS-13 influence. Mayor Bass has demanded raids stop, Feds respond with one of the largest yet, including Border Patrol agents on horseback. Protesters already showing up.”

U.S. military personnel are on the ground to ensure the safety of federal agents.

We will protect federal law enforcement and assist by establishing a security perimeter. https://t.co/R3oTE2fKy8

— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) July 7, 2025

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RedState’s Sister Toldjah detailed the scene that unfolded as Mayor Bass arrived on location and publicly demanded that the raid be halted.

“They need to leave, and they need to leave right now!” Bass told members of the press gathered at the site.

Mayor Bass also claimed that children had been playing in the park before federal agents arrived. Blaze Media immigration reporter Julio Rosas cast doubt on that claim.

“I would be shocked if there were kids playing in MacArthur Park before. The whole area is covered in trash, human waste, and a bunch of drugged-out people,” Rosas posted on X.

I would be shocked if there were kids playing in McArthur Park before. Whole area is covered in trash, human waste, and a bunch of drugged out people. https://t.co/OqYe19sgm1

— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) July 7, 2025

Defense officials confirmed that the operation, which took place approximately two miles west of downtown Los Angeles, included 17 Humvees, four tactical vehicles, two ambulances, and armed military personnel.

The show of force followed President Donald Trump’s decision last month to deploy thousands of National Guard members and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles in response to escalating resistance from sanctuary city officials.

Following the confrontation at the raid site, Mayor Bass stated that she had spoken directly with Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino.

According to a statement reported by Melugin and RedState, Bovino responded bluntly: “I don’t work for Karen Bass. Better get used to us now, cause this is going to be normal very soon. We will go anywhere, anytime we want in Los Angeles.”

Part of that interview here:https://t.co/FqiDhhoLnZ

— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 8, 2025

The enforcement action represents a shift in strategy by federal immigration authorities.

Under sanctuary city policies, Los Angeles refuses to honor ICE detainers or cooperate with immigration enforcement, which has led federal agencies to conduct large-scale raids in targeted neighborhoods rather than rely on local coordination.

The raid in MacArthur Park comes amid heightened national focus on immigration enforcement, particularly in areas known to harbor transnational gangs such as MS-13.

Border Czar Tom Homan has previously emphasized that federal authorities will not be deterred by local resistance and will escalate operations as necessary.

On the same day, RedState also reported on a separate incident in McAllen, Texas, where a man attempted to ambush Border Patrol agents.

The confrontation resulted in the death of the suspect and left two officers and one border patrol employee injured.

A spokesperson for ICE confirmed that the agency is continuing to target high-threat areas linked to gang activity and organized crime.

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