LA councilmember backtracks on Skid Row outrage as federal prosecutors vow to keep streets clean

A lefty Los Angeles City Council member is trying to walk the fine line after she previously expressed outrage over a massive drug bust on Skid Row.

Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado, whose District 14 includes the troubled downtown neighborhood, had blasted the operation, claiming homeless residents were prevented from returning to their tents to retrieve their possessions.

The California Post was on the scene as investigators seized drugs, guns, cash and luxury cars and made dozens of arrests in a sweeping probe that exposed alleged tricks dealers used to conceal their deadly trade — including disguises, storefronts and sidewalk tents.

“Law enforcement has described the operation in Skid Row as targeting drug trafficking. But that doesn’t remove the responsibility to protect residents’ rights and well-being,” Jurado had said.

“Residents have reported being kept from returning to their tents, obtaining their belongings, accessing essential medication, and reaching the services they depend on every day to survive.”

But in an Instagram post Saturday, Jurado pushed back against what she described as a misreading of her remarks.

“Apparently, asking whether people can get to their medication is now controversial. That’s quite a reading of my statement,” she said.

The councilwoman also acknowledged that drug traffickers should face consequences, while maintaining that authorities must protect the rights of homeless residents caught up in enforcement operations.

“People who traffic dangerous drugs and prey on this community should be held accountable through due process,” Jurado said, but she added “we can do both,” referring to protecting Skid Row residents’ right to accessing their belongings.

Jurado said her office is now verifying reports from residents and asking federal and local law enforcement for answers. She added that future operations will need safeguards in place for residents without compromising investigations.

“Asking those questions is part of my job. I intend to keep doing it,” she stated.

The raid was conducted by the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Police Department and other agencies as part of “Operation Free Skid Row,” an effort targeting drug dealers accused of preying on homeless people.

But US Attorney Bill Essayli, the region’s top federal prosecutor, took direct aim at Jurado’s criticism.

“This councilwoman and LACAN are part of the problem in Skid Row,” he said. “They are fiercely anti-law enforcement and focus their efforts on protecting criminals who exploit the homeless. Under their watch, gangs and thugs run Skid Row, supplying the worst drugs imaginable, stealing money, and raping or killing anyone in their way.”

“If the councilwoman disliked yesterday’s actions, she will be very displeased in the months ahead.”