Karen Bass, the Democratic Mayor of Los Angeles, has ignited a fierce online backlash after she described the unprecedented number of Latinos joining the US Border Patrol as "sad". The comments, made during a televised interview, led to accusations of racism and hypocrisy from social media users.
An Interview That Sparked Outrage
Mayor Bass expressed her disappointment during an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN's 'The Situation Room' on Friday. She was reacting to a report from a Border Patrol academy which highlighted a record-breaking surge in new recruits, a significant proportion of whom are Latino.
"Well, in a way, I think it's sad," Bass stated in response. She elaborated that she believed the agents would face a difficult time in the field when confronted with the reality of the situation, which might conflict with their training.
The mayor suggested that the primary incentive for Latinos joining the agency was financial, linking it to the broader economic struggles faced by millions of Americans. However, the CNN report she had just watched featured several Latino agents citing motivations beyond monetary gain.
Agents Defend Their Choice to Serve
In the facility, CNN correspondent David Culver spoke with Border Patrol agents who addressed the criticism they sometimes face from within their own community. Agent Claudio Herrera, who took 11 years to become a citizen, proudly explained his reason for joining: "I'm protecting my community. I'm protecting both sides of the border."
He advised immigrants to follow the legal process, warning that otherwise they might only "find jail or only find death." Another agent, 20-year-old Juan Peralta, the son of an immigrant, was asked how he felt about "arresting your own kind."
Peralta responded firmly, "They didn't come in the right way. So, they aren't my kind." According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), over half of the agents serving on the southern border are Hispanic, and applications have surged by more than 70% compared to the previous year.
Social Media Fury and Financial Incentives
The mayor's perspective was met with immediate condemnation online. One user criticised "Karen Bass idiot mayor" for being "upset at DIVERSITY," while another bluntly labelled her a "hypocrite and racist." A third commenter defended legal immigrants, stating, "I've known Hispanics whose families waited and immigrated legally. They're against illegal immigration. Karen Bass really is detached from reality."
The recruitment drive comes with substantial financial incentives. New Border Patrol Agents are eligible for up to $60,000 in total incentives. This includes a $10,000 payment upon completing the academy and an additional $10,000 for those assigned to a remote location.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott emphasised the agency's commitment, saying, "By offering competitive incentives, we are investing in skilled professionals who will help secure America's borders and advance national security." Despite these explanations, Mayor Bass concluded her interview by reiterating her concern: "I definitely am concerned about that report."
