Karen Bass says LA can’t rebuild after wildfires ‘without immigrant labor’

Published July 20, 2025 2:34pm ET



Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of deportations, saying “fear” of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids is complicating attempts to rebuild areas affected by the January wildfires.

Bass’s criticism comes after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles to quell riots against the deportations of illegal immigrants in June, which the mayor said was unwarranted. When asked what should happen to the undocumented workers in Los Angeles, Bass said “entire sections” of her city are dependent on immigrant labor, “because we are a city of immigrants.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.