Story perspectives

Mayoral Candidate Rallies Gang Leaders Against ICE

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rogelio Martinez, a Long Beach mayoral candidate, proposes enlisting 55 gang leaders from various ethnic backgrounds to protest ICE.
In a viral campaign video, he calls for gang leaders to unite and confront federal agents.
Martinez, who has never held public office, says the plan highlights issues in predominantly Hispanic communities.
He acknowledges he does not expect any leaders to respond.
Critics say the approach risks blurring governance and criminality.

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Story summary

Rogelio Martinez, a Long Beach mayoral candidate, proposes enlisting 55 gang leaders from various ethnic backgrounds to protest ICE.
In a viral campaign video, he calls for gang leaders to unite and confront federal agents.
Martinez, who has never held public office, says the plan highlights issues in predominantly Hispanic communities.
He acknowledges he does not expect any leaders to respond.
Critics say the approach risks blurring governance and criminality.