LA Mayor Karen Bass' State of the City addressed LA28, ICE raids, wildfire recovery updates
Bass addresses Palisades recovery
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed top issues which includes Palisades Fire recovery, homeless crisis in the city, and crime.
LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered a State of the City "as she sets the tone for the year ahead and shares how Los Angeles is preparing to take the world stage."
The unusual timing and historic venue signal a shift in focus toward the city's massive upcoming schedule of international sporting events.
What we know:
The address took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a site synonymous with Olympic history.
Bass’ office stated the speech "will reflect this moment and serve as a unifying celebration of Los Angeles, the city that we love: its people, neighborhoods, and cultures."
The mayor addresd preparations for a trio of high-profile sporting events:
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium in June and July.
- 2027 Super Bowl: Set to return to the Inglewood venue.
- 2028 Summer Olympics: Marking LA.'s third time hosting the Games.
State of City: Wildfire recovery updates, LA vs. ICE
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blasted the Trump administration for the ongoing ICE raids, in addition to giving an update on the Jan. 2025 wildfire recovery efforts and previewing FIFA World Cup 2026, Super Bowl LXI (Feb. 2027) and LA28.
Just last week, Bass announced nearly $100 million in proposed funding for infrastructure and safety improvements at Exposition Park, which houses the Coliseum, to prepare for this influx of global visitors.
While the "tone" was set to be celebratory and forward-looking, she took some time at the podium to blast the Trump administration for deploying federal agents to her city and targeting Angelenos along the way.
"People disappeared from our streets as if we lived in a police state, not the United States," Bass said. "This wasn't security. It was theater. That's what it was."
With a smirk over her face, the Los Angeles Mayor also briefly addressed the report of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's Commander of Operation At Large Gregory Bovino's alleged demotion.
"Let's also not forget that infamous moment when former Border Patrol commander at large, Greg Bovino," Bass said. "Oh, where is he today? Greg Bovino sent troops, some even on horseback, into MacArthur Park. They claimed authority over a park where many children, young children, were playing. And in that moment, I had no option but to confront him."
LA Mayor on Greg Bovino's reported demotion: "Where is he?"
Months after Customs and Border Patrol leader Greg Bovino told Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass that she "better get used to" CBP's presence in her city—despite her earlier demands to end ICE raids in MacArthur Park—Bass quipped in response, "Where is he today?" referring to his reported demotion from CBP.
Bass' comments towards Bovino come months after the latter declared the LA Mayor "better get used to" CBP's presences in her city – despite her earlier demands to end ICE raids in MacArthur Park.
LA wants ICE out; CBP says 'get used to it'
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass demands the ICE raids targeting her city and the heavy National Guard presence to stop. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is refusing to follow Bass' demands, saying they don't work for the LA Mayor.
SUGGESTED:
- Iconic LAX pylons dismantled ahead of 2028 Olympic upgrades
- Countdown begins! LA28 Olympics releases full schedule for the biggest games ever
- LA spending millions on fake ivy to cover up graffiti on 101 Freeway
Following today's address, the city will move into its intensive budget season. Public eyes will turn to how the Mayor balances the high costs of international hosting—such as transit upgrades and security—with the everyday needs of LA residents.
SUGGESTED:
- Hawthorne Airport acquired for $126M with plans to become air taxi network hub
- Mayor Bass signs Executive Directive to streamline projects ahead of 2028 Olympic Games
- Ultra-rich tourists already booking luxury LA mansions ahead of 2028 Olympics: report
A second address in April will provide the fiscal roadmap for these ambitions.
The Source: This report is based on official statements and press releases from the Office of Mayor Karen Bass and scheduling information provided by the City of Los Angeles.