Los Angeles mayoral candidate and City Councilmember Nithya Raman continued to address comments she made during the Oct. 13 NBC4/Telemundo 52 debate, where she referenced former LAPD chief Daryl Gates. Raman said the city “used to be the gold standard in terms of non‑cooperation with immigration enforcement years ago during the era of Darryl Gates.”
Apology and clarification
Two days after the debate, incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Raman’s opponent, gathered Black community leaders in South Los Angeles demanding an apology. Bass said, “Darryl Gates inflicted serious harm to the African American community” and added that Raman “is not really familiar with LA, especially the Black community.”
Raman initially accused Bass of “trying to twist” her words, but later adopted a more conciliatory tone. In a private call with the Watts Gang Task Force and in an interview with radio host Yesi Ortiz, Raman said, “I apologize for talking about an issue that I know causes real pain to Angelenos. I only mentioned that era because I feel like 50 years ago, when our police force was very militarized, there was an effort to make sure immigrants could report crimes without fear of immigration enforcement.”
Special Order 40 and immigrant safety
Raman highlighted Special Order 40, a policy created under former Mayor Tom Bradley and implemented by Gates, which requires LAPD officers not to inquire about a person’s immigration status or assist federal immigration agents. She argued that the policy remains vital, stating, “In 2026 we need to stand up for our immigrant communities even more, and the LAPD has not yet met that moment in the way Angelenos need.”
Campaign focus shifts
Raman’s campaign also released a new broadcast and digital ad focusing on homelessness and criticizing Bass for comments about the Palisades Fire. Bass said she regretted being out of town when the fire occurred and questioned why red alerts were not issued.
The debate over Gates’ legacy and the city’s immigration‑enforcement stance underscores the broader contest between Raman and Bass as they vie for the mayor’s office, each appealing to different constituencies across Los Angeles.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
