As leftist riots broke out across Los Angeles this week in response to federal immigration enforcement actions, the city’s Democrat Mayor Karen Bass has come under fire for not acting swiftly to quell the violence.
A former Los Angeles Police Department detective is now raising concerns about the timing and strength of Bass’s response.
Moses Castillo, who served on the LAPD during the 1992 Rodney King riots, told Fox News that the city’s Democratic leadership was too slow to act decisively.
“She’s now trying to play catch-up,” Castillo said of Bass.
“If she would have been very more forceful in the beginning — that we’re not going to tolerate these crimes and allow police officers to do their job and arrest people on site — I think it would have been different.”
“Instead, she’s now saying it now that these crimes would not be tolerated, looting would not be tolerated.
“But it’s a little bit too late.”
His comments come as law enforcement continues to respond to widespread unrest, including looting, assaults, and arson.
According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, the department made 197 arrests over the weekend.
Among the charges were assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, looting, arson, and one case of attempted murder involving a Molotov cocktail.
On Monday alone, 96 individuals were arrested during violent protests in the downtown area.
Protesters also occupied the 101 Freeway and clashed with police, prompting the use of tear gas in efforts to disperse crowds.
Numerous businesses reported damage and theft across the city.
In response to the escalating violence, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.
On Monday, U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 700 Marines would be sent to the region to help protect federal property and personnel.
The deployment drew criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who has opposed the use of federal force in past protest-related incidents.
Castillo, however, called for unity between local, state, and federal leaders rather than public disagreements.
“I believe that both sides — the president, Governor Newsom — are using the media waves to attack one another,” Castillo said.
“To me, that’s like going back to high school.
“I think what they need to do is come to the table, let’s have a face-to-face, let’s find solutions.”
Castillo, who recalled being an LAPD trainee during the 1992 riots, warned that the current crisis bears troubling similarities.
“History is repeating itself,” he said.
“This time we’re dealing with a lot of violence against police officers.
“They’re throwing bottles of cocktails, they’re throwing cinder blocks — you name it.”
Castillo also pointed to the role of social media in amplifying unrest.
He argues that platforms have made it easier to organize disruptive gatherings quickly.
“People are upset about immigration policies,” Castillo added.
“But now we’re seeing chaos — and our response matters.”
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