Indian-American Nithya Raman Calls for LAPD Chief’s Removal in Los Angeles Mayoral Debate

WASHINGTON — Indian-American Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has called for the replacement of Police Chief Jim McDonnell over the department’s response to federal immigration raids, setting up a confrontation with Mayor Karen Bass ahead of the November 3 mayoral runoff election.

The two candidates clashed Tuesday during their only televised head-to-head debate, hosted by NBC4 and Telemundo 52 in Universal City, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Raman accused the Los Angeles Police Department of appearing to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during immigration enforcement operations, creating “fear in the heart of immigrant communities here.”

She argued that the department’s handling of the raids had undermined public confidence in local law enforcement and called for new leadership.

However, Raman stopped short of specifying when she would seek McDonnell’s removal, acknowledging that replacing the police chief would require a formal process.

“It is not a unilateral decision by the mayor… It’s not something I can immediately set a timeline on,” Raman said.

Bass defended McDonnell and warned that replacing the police chief ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, which Los Angeles is preparing to host, could disrupt the department.

“I don’t think you have any idea what it takes to identify a police chief,” Bass told Raman during the debate.

“Now is not the time to turn the city over to Nithya Raman,” the mayor added.

The candidates also exchanged criticism over Bass’s handling of the devastating Palisades fire.

Raman accused the mayor of being “missing in action” during the emergency and said the city’s leadership was facing “a crisis of trust.”

Bass acknowledged the criticism of her absence during the disaster.

“I am so profoundly sorry that I was not in my city when my city needed me,” she said.

Another contentious moment involved an Instagram video released by Raman’s campaign that included the phrase “fascist liars.”

Raman said the video had been improperly edited and subsequently removed. Bass questioned her opponent’s readiness to lead the nation’s second-largest city.

“You are not ready for prime time,” Bass said.

Political observers offered differing assessments of the debate. Politico’s California Playbook characterized the encounter as lacking a decisive moment, while Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez assessed Bass as having performed better.

The candidates’ political affiliations and campaign support have also attracted attention. Raman has ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, although those connections were not raised during the debate.

The race remains competitive following shifting polling results over the past several months.

Bass led the June 2 primary with 34% of the vote, compared with Raman’s 29%.

A September survey conducted by the Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies for the Los Angeles Times showed Raman with 39% support and Bass with 28%, while approximately one-third of voters remained undecided.

No new public opinion poll had been released following Tuesday’s debate.

Trading on the prediction market Kalshi placed Raman’s chances of victory at 57% following the debate, compared with 55% beforehand. Bass’s market-implied probability stood at 43%. These figures reflect market activity rather than a scientific survey of voters.

Campaign finance has also become a significant factor in the contest.

Both candidates have raised approximately $2.5 million for the runoff, while outside organizations have spent millions more supporting their preferred candidates.

The Los Angeles Police Protective League has contributed at least $3.5 million in support of Bass, while a carpenters’ council has spent approximately $9 million backing Raman. About two-thirds of that spending reportedly originated from donor Aaron Sosnick.

The election comes as Los Angeles continues to face protests, political disputes and legal challenges surrounding federal immigration enforcement.

The city’s preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics have added urgency to discussions about public safety, police leadership and municipal administration.

Raman, who is of Indian origin, would become the first Indian-American mayor of Los Angeles if elected.

Voters will choose between Raman and Bass in the November 3 runoff. (Source: IANS)