Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a sharp rebuke Friday after Vice President JD Vance referred to U.S. Senator Alex Padilla as “Jose” during a press interaction, a remark many are calling racist and inflammatory amid escalating political tensions in California.
“How dare you,” Bass said in a statement condemning Vance’s comment. “Calling a sitting U.S. Senator by the wrong name—particularly one with deep cultural and political ties to California’s Latino community—reveals either deep ignorance or outright disrespect.”
The controversy erupted as Vance, a Republican and Vice President under Donald Trump, landed in Los Angeles amidst a fresh wave of ICE raids and mass immigration enforcement crackdowns that have triggered widespread protests throughout the city.
These actions are part of President Trump’s campaign promise to carry out mass deportations during his second term, with former ICE Director Tom Homan now serving as the administration’s border czar.
Earlier this month, protests intensified after National Guard troops and U.S. Marines were deployed to Los Angeles by federal order—despite vocal opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. That federal action was later overturned by a judge, reaffirming Newsom’s authority over state military forces.
Tensions flared further last week when Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in Los Angeles. Senator Padilla attempted to enter the event and was forcibly removed, pushed to the ground, and handcuffed—an incident captured on video and widely circulated.
Noem later claimed she met privately with Padilla after the briefing, but critics say the treatment of the senator was emblematic of the administration’s contempt for dissent.
During a press gaggle Friday, Vance was asked whether the treatment of lawmakers like Padilla signaled an escalating crackdown on Democrats. In response, Vance appeared to dismiss the question entirely, referring to Padilla as “Jose” and downplaying concerns over heavy-handed federal actions in Democratic strongholds like California.
The White House has not issued a formal apology or clarification. Newsweek reported that it reached out to Mayor Bass’s office for further comment late Friday evening.
With racial tensions, immigration raids, and political suppression dominating headlines in California, Vance’s comment only added fuel to the fire.
“Disrespecting Senator Padilla doesn’t just insult one man,” Bass added. “It sends a message to every Latino American that this administration doesn’t see us—or worse, doesn’t care to.”
