In a shocking series of raids, the FBI executed warrants across Huntington Beach, California, in a years-long $14 million corruption investigation. The raids, part of “Operation Dirty Pond,” targeted Mayor Karina Macias and several other high-ranking city officials.
For context, California is one of the most left-wing states in the union, and has been swamped with endemic crime and homelessness for years. Recently, several California Democrats have been slapped with massive corruption charges, leading many to wonder if the state is a hotbed of shady politics.
In any case, prominent social media user Wall Street Apes, made a post to X on March 2, 2025, which went massively viral. The post read, “Democrats in California won’t stop stealing your money $14 million dollars missing…Huntington, California city hall and mayor’s home are being raided in $14M public funds probe, “Corruption probe. City Hall as well as a couple of the residents from city officials have been rated under suspicion of corruption.'”
Building out the story, the user wrote, “‘Operation Dirty Pond.” — In addition to City Hall, authorities raided 10 other locations. Some other places included the homes of Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias, the city manager, construction group officials, and a city council member.”
Explaining the origins of the FBI raid, the post continued, “The investigation began in 2022 after taxpayer dollars were allocated to build a new aquatic center in the heart of Huntington Park. Despite a $24 million investment, the site remains a dirt plot several years later. Officials said they’ve spent $14 million on the project.”
In the comments under the post, users mocked California for its constant corruption. One such comment read, “Los Angeles should be visited, too. How about raiding Newsom’s mansion and Mayor Bass’s home? There should be a treasure trove of evidence about all the money stolen.”
Providing additional context, the LA Times, which wrote the earliest account of the events, quoted from the city when the controversial program was announced several years ago. They reported, “The aquatic programs will allow the community to unite for play, competition, fitness, and learning at all ages. The community swimming programs will create a stronger relationship with the community, increasing access, public engagement, and recruitment into higher education opportunities.”
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Slamming the corrupt officials for their shameless actions, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman savaged the mayor. He wrote, “My office is committed to ensuring that public officials uphold the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and transparency. When concerns arise about the use of public funds or the actions of those in office, it is our duty to investigate thoroughly and protect the public’s trust.”
Concluding his remarks, Hochman said, “I want to commend our dedicated prosecutors and investigators for their diligent work on this complex case. Their unwavering commitment to justice ensures that no one — regardless of their position or title — is above the law.”
Watch the FBI raids here:
Reacting to the flurry of raids, the City of Huntington Beach issued its own statement. The city said, “The city is committed to cooperating fully with the District Attorney’s office throughout this process and remains dedicated to resolving the matter promptly and transparently.”
Watch typical California chaos here: