NEWYou now have the option to listen to articles from a Fox News source!
The chairwoman of the Los Angeles County GOP, Roxanne Hoge, who herself immigrated legally to the U.S., has criticized pro-sanctuary Democrats in the state for creating a “two-tiered” justice system that she believes keeps Latinos and immigrants in a “permanent underclass.”
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hoge, who became a citizen in 2000 after arriving in the U.S. in 1976, stated that despite Democrats claiming to support immigrants, their policies actually hinder the progress of Latinos and immigrants.
“If you’re a law-abiding citizen who pays taxes and respects the rules, you’re at a disadvantage. Starting a business the right way can take years. But if you set up shop on the sidewalk with a homeless person and some groceries, the city will turn a blind eye. This kind of behavior contributes to the decline of a once-great city,” she expressed, also mentioning, “California promotes various employee protections, claiming to support workers, yet they allow the exploitation of workers like indentured servants.”
“Democrats were upset when Republicans abolished slavery. They questioned who would do the labor. Now, when Republicans suggest enforcing immigration laws, which is a federal responsibility, they are once again upset, asking who will work in their fields and farms,” she added.
NEWSOM OFFICE DISMISSES CRIME FEARS, DEFENDS SANCTUARY POLICIES AMID SURGE IN VIOLENCE: ‘FAKE NEWS’
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Roxanne Hoge, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1976 and became a citizen in 2000, criticized Democrats like Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for policies that she believes keep Latinos and immigrants oppressed. (Mario Tama/Getty Images and Roxanne Hoge and Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Recently, federal agents conducting an immigration raid at a state-licensed cannabis facility north of Los Angeles discovered nine unaccompanied migrant children.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott mentioned that the facility was being investigated for child labor violations.
He shared a photo on X, captioned: “These are the juveniles found in the marijuana facility – almost all unaccompanied, one as young as 14. California are you ready to partner with us to stop child exploitation?”
“This is the reality of Newsom’s California,” Scott added.
Hoge expressed to Fox News Digital that as an immigrant herself, she believes it’s crucial to recognize how progressives mistreat people of color.
‘NUMBERS DON’T LIE’: FORMER JUDGE SAYS HOUSTON MIGRANT SEX CRIME WAVE TIED TO BORDER FAILURES
A protester fuels a fire as Border Patrol agents in riot gear guard a Los Angeles industrial park during an anti-ICE demonstration, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
“Whenever Democrats complain about illegal immigration, using it to boost their numbers and economy, remember that they have little regard for those they consider beneath them,” she continued. “Their goal is to maintain a permanent underclass. But California is not a place for that.”
Hoge also accused Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass of manipulating immigrant populations with scare tactics related to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. She cited a case where a Mexican illegal immigrant named Yuriana Julia Pelaez Calderon allegedly staged her own ICE abduction. Despite later being revealed as a hoax, Calderon’s supposed kidnapping was widely publicized by the media and even endorsed by Bass as an example of fear-mongering by the Trump administration.
“It turns out the woman, whether due to mental issues or a desire to belong, faked a kidnapping involving ICE, which never occurred,” Hoge stated. “I hold Mayor Karen Bass, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the drama-crats responsible for promoting sanctuary city regulations that do more harm than good.”
“There was a time when we had, ironically, a Republican mayor, Richard Riordan, and L.A. was thriving and vibrant, with young people flocking here to live the California dream,” she reminisced. “But that’s no longer the case, as we now have a system with unequal opportunities.”
FORMER ICE CHIEF TORCHES ‘UNCONSCIONABLE’ BIDEN-ERA POLICIES AS TRUMP’S DHS FINDS MIGRANT CHILDREN
California Gov. Gavin Newsom continues to defend sanctuary policies despite rising criticism over crime and child labor allegations. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Newsom and Bass for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Newsom recently criticized Trump as a “chaos agent” who has disrupted California communities through immigration enforcement actions.
The governor argued that Trump’s actions are motivated by “cruelty” and a desire to appear tough.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and Landon Mion contributed to this report.
