Mayor Rex Richardson’s State of the City address in Long Beach was halted twice Wednesday night by demonstrators calling for the removal of federal immigration agents and stronger labor protections for Black workers.
At a Glance
- Protesters twice interrupted the mayor, chanting “ICE out of Long Beach”
- Richardson later declared, “ICE does not belong in our city,” earning a standing ovation
- He announced a $378,000 Metro grant for a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone downtown
- City faces budget strain from falling oil revenue and federal cuts
Why it matters: The confrontations reveal rising political pressure on City Hall as the mayor campaigns for re-election while promising economic growth amid financial uncertainty.
Disruptions and Response
Security removed the protesters, allowing Richardson to return to the stage. After resuming, he directly addressed the demand to bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from city operations.
“ICE does not belong in our city,” he told the audience, prompting loud applause and a standing ovation from many attendees.
Economic Vision Despite Shortfall
Despite acknowledging a projected budget gap linked to declining oil revenue and reduced federal support, Richardson outlined bold plans for job creation and global events.
Key Announcements
- FIFA World Cup Fan Zone: Multi-week downtown activation on Pine Avenue during the tournament this summer, funded by a $378,000 Los Angeles Metro grant
- Olympic Team House: Ireland will join Greece and Denmark in hosting an international Olympic team house in Long Beach during the 2028 Games
- Waterfront Amphitheater: Construction has begun on a $21 million venue near the Queen Mary, already booking events
Job Creation Goals
Richardson set a target of 4,000 new jobs by 2028, focusing on:
- Aerospace
- Clean technology
- Advanced manufacturing
He cited Speedo relocating its North American headquarters to Long Beach ahead of the Olympics and aerospace startup Vast Space expanding locally.
Small Business Support
A new “AnchorLB” initiative will provide:
- $9 million in small business grants
- Additional economic announcements expected later this year
Marathon Burger-founded by the brother of late rapper Nipsey Hussle-will open on Pine Avenue in the former Johnny Rockets space.
Homelessness and Public Safety
City data shows homelessness rose 6.5% as of January 2025, with about 1,500 more people than before the pandemic.
Richardson announced “Upstream LB,” a prevention program targeting residents most at risk of losing housing.
“Focusing on people at most risk – one emergency away from losing everything,” he said.
On crime, the mayor reported:
- Fewer homicides
- Shootings down by one-third
- Significant drops in commercial and residential burglaries
- Zero officer-involved shootings in 2025, a first for Long Beach
Political Context
The speech came as Richardson campaigns for re-election amid activist and voter scrutiny. The interruptions underscored political tensions at City Hall, even as the mayor promoted an optimistic vision for Long Beach’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Protesters forced two pauses in the mayor’s address over ICE and labor issues
- Richardson aligned with demonstrators on ICE, earning audience support
- Major events like the World Cup and Olympics are central to the city’s growth strategy
- Economic promises clash with budget realities, setting up a key election issue
