Mayoral hopeful Nithja Raman vows to dismiss LAPD chief over ICE raid response
Candidate Nithja Raman says she will fire LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell if elected, criticizing his handling of June 2025 ICE raids while she was photographed at a cocktail hour.
During a 100-day launch for her mayoral bid, Nithja Raman declared she would remove LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, citing his response to ICE arrests in June 2025 as inadequate. The announcement coincided with leaked images of Raman drinking cocktails while mass anti-ICE protests unfolded in Downtown Los Angeles, a detail the Los Angeles Police Protective League used to attack her credibility. Raman, supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, promised to audit LAPD compliance with the city’s sanctuary policy and to grow unarmed crisis response units rather than increase sworn officers.
She framed the chief’s removal as necessary to protect immigrants she says are under attack. The LAPD, which has seen crime rates fall across several categories, warned that dismissing McDonnell could harm morale amid a 4,000-officer shortfall and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Police veterans and union leaders argued the department already limits involvement in immigration enforcement and that finding a replacement with McDonnell’s experience would be difficult.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape policing and immigration policy in Los Angeles ahead of a mayoral election.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage emphasizes Raman’s use of the term “fascist” and criticizes her rhetoric, while right-leaning coverage highlights her pledge to fire the chief, questions her credibility, and notes the LAPD’s crime-rate context.
LEFT
Frames Raman’s campaign video as extremist, labeling the city “fascist” and drawing attention to criticism of her language.
RIGHT
Frames Raman’s mayoral launch as a political promise to dismiss the chief, questioning her credibility and pointing to LAPD crime-rate data.
The left emphasises
- Raman called the city “extremely fascist” under Mayor Bass.
- She accused the LAPD of using tear gas on protesters, a tactic she said was not used in 2020.
- Mayor Bass called the fascist label “extreme and dangerous rhetoric.”
The right emphasises
- Raman vowed to remove LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell over his response to ICE arrests.
- Images of Raman drinking cocktails during anti-ICE protests were used to attack her credibility.
- The LAPD warned that dismissing McDonnell could affect crime-rate trends.
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