LA Immigration Protests: Troops Deployed, Journalists Injured

Protests erupted in Los Angeles over President Trump’s immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, marking the first federal military action of its kind in California since the 1992 LA riots. The demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, with police using rubber bullets and tear gas, leading to injuries among protesters and journalists, including Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi and British photographer Nick Stern, the latter requiring emergency surgery. Authorities made over 100 arrests as protesters blocked major freeways and set vehicles on fire throughout the city. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal troop deployment as unlawful and inflammatory, while the White House defended the law enforcement response. The use of force against clearly identified members of the press has intensified concerns over journalist safety and the legality of military intervention. Solidarity protests against the immigration raids also occurred in cities such as Phoenix, Arizona.