Protest and Promise Frame Pasadena Mayor’s State of the City

Mayor Victor Gordo and Vice Mayor Jess Rivas listening to community members at the “No Ice” Rally at Robinson Park (Photo – Brian Biery)

“You’re either with us or not,” one speaker said. He was one of many who addressed the crowd gathered outside the Jackie Robinson Center for the 2026 State of the City speech by Mayor Victor Gordo.

By Garrett Rowlan

The crowd of 150 or so, huddled in a dim space between Fair Oaks and the bright basketball courts to protest the ongoing ICE raids, waved flags and encouraged a continual honking of concurring horns from passing cars.

Once the doors opened at 6:30, the scene inside the center was almost mellow against a background of smooth jazz. Hugs, handshakes and smiles were exchanged among the gathered guests. Women wore scares and bracelets, men wore suits.

As the seven o’clock start time for the ceremony neared, protestors with signs entered the makeshift auditorium. Citizens carried anti-ICE signs were respectful of the proceedings, though one young man yelled “Liar” when Mayor Gordo said the Pasadena Police didn’t cooperate with or assist ICE agents.

Mayor Gordo and Vice Mayor Jess Rivas were as vitriolic as the protestors in their condemnation of the raids.  They focused generally on Pasadena—though Ms. Rivas did mention the troubles in Minnesota—while the speakers outside took shots at Isreal, Dubai, and Barack Obama, among others.

The tenor of the mayor’s speech was cautious optimism. taking into account the trying last year in Pasadena when fire and ICE both besieged the city. Emphasizing the theme Rising Together, Gordo framed Pasadena not as a city overwhelmed by fear, but as one defined by resolve. “Together, we did not allow Pasadena, our home, to be a city under siege,” he said, adding that the community had proven itself “stronger than fear, stronger than intimidation, and stronger than any attempt to divide us.” Addressing those most affected by the raids, the mayor underscored a message of belonging: “To everyone in our city, especially those who still feel afraid or targeted, know that you belong here.” Despite the divisions on display outside, Gordo insisted that Pasadena, as a unified community, would continue “Rising Together…facing what lies ahead.”

Jose Madera speaks to the crowd (Photo – Brian Biery)

Mayor Gordo addressing the public outside (Photo –

Mayor Gordo prior to his State of the City speech (Photo – Garrett Rowlan)

Crowd at the State of the City, 2026 at the Robinson Recreation Center (Photo – Garrett Rowlan)

Mayor Gordo speaking at the State of the City, 2026 (Photo – Garrett Rowlan)