L.A. Drug Raid Nets 18 Arrests as Candidates Clash Over Crime and Needle Program in Mayoral Race

A major federal drug raid on May 6 in Los Angeles came right after the voting kicked off for the mayoral election. Federal authorities arrested 18 people in connection with fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in the area.

City Hall has been accused of sustaining the problems previously because of a needle giveaway program. The program provided clean needles to drug users to prevent HIV transmission and other infections.

Residents have pressured City Hall to eliminate the program. During a debate on May 6, Mayor Karen Bass suggested that she would end the program, agreeing with Republican rival Spencer Pratt.

Paige Sterling, a spokesperson for Bass, said, “We are actively reviewing these programs citywide and recognize that many of them are operating alongside other valuable services.” City Council member Nithya Raman, another mayoral candidate, said she would retain the needle program.

Bass said in a statement during the debate, “We can’t keep L.A safe with the size of the department we have now.” According to police statistics, violent crime in the city was down in 2026 compared to 2025.

However, Bass’s rival, Spencer Pratt, said, “No matter what these crime statistics are telling anybody, it’s not how people feel on the street.” The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal authorities collaborated on the May 6 raid.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the raid was part of authorities “reclaiming MacArthur Park from criminals and drug addicts to return this public space to the citizens.”

For years, there have been a lot of complaints from residents about crime, drug use, and gang activity in and around MacArthur Park, located near an immigrant neighborhood west of downtown.

The raid has also received praise from residents and local businesses. Norm Langer, who owns a restaurant across the park, said that he had to close it down because rampant drug use and crime were driving away customers.

Although he was “absolutely thrilled” about the raid, he said that he does not completely trust Bass’ commitment to end the needle program. He noted that the program is “prolonging these people getting help.”

There have been many concerns about public safety because of rampant drug use and subsequent homelessness. As Mayor Karen Bass seeks a second term, Bass has been trying to accelerate police work before the primary elections end on June 2, 2026.