A provocative video from Long Beach mayoral candidate Rogelio Martinez, in which he summoned the city's 55 gangs to confrontImmigration and Customs Enforcement, has triggered a storm of criticism and cast doubt on his 2026 bid. On 29 January, Martinez stood before City Hall, directly addressing leaders from Latino, Cambodian, Filipino, Black and Pacific Islander communities.
Deleted soon after posting, the clip nonetheless went viral, leading to death threats against Martinez. No gang members showed for the gathering, but the fallout has intensified immigration debates in the sanctuary city.
The recording highlighted Martinez's bold outreach to Long Beach's estimated 55 gangs, emblematic of the port city's complex social dynamics in its443,555 residents. He portrayed ICE's increased raids as an assault, necessitating community resistance. 'I am calling all 55 gangsin my beautiful city,' he urged. 'I'm calling the Latino gangs. I'm calling the Cambodian gangs... all gang leaders to meet me right here, Long Beach City Hall, this coming Monday.'
While advocating peace, the strategy drew fire for potentially inciting unrest. Conservative activistRobby Starbucklambasted it on X: 'Now this candidate wants to unite 55 gangs in Long Beach against ICE agents. All of them belong in prison.'
A separate X post by@iAnonPatriot, labelling the call 'absurd,' secured over 8,000 likes and vast reach, cementing the social media echo chamber. Previously polling in single digits, the candidate now grapples with infamy. Admirers praise his stand for immigrant rights; detractors fear it emboldens criminality.
He called for the gang's presence at a 2 February meeting 'peacefully, but with strong force' to 'take back' the city from ICE, which he accused of undue interference. The Democratic challenger to incumbent Rex Richardson asserted that local police were 'powerless.'
A post shared by Alexxander Medeiros (@alexxandermedeiros)
'ICE needs to get out of Long Beach, and this is the only way that I know how to get them out,' he said.
The response was immediate and harsh. Threats compelled Martinez to lock his accounts and erase the video. Local Republican Juan Alanis denounced the plea as 'dangerous,' cautioning against endangering officers and residents. Long Beach police chief Wally Earl distanced the force, stating unsanctioned events would face enforcement.
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.https://t.co/YF3iZ1RPCX
Source: International Business Times UK
