American Friction Inside the LA protests: “This is a fight for survival”
Jun 11, 2025
Ben Camacho, a journalist and co-founder of LA News Cooperative, shares an eye-opening account of the LA protests. He discusses the chaos he witnessed, having been shot by rubber bullets while reporting. Camacho highlights the emotional toll on both protesters and reporters amidst rising tensions with law enforcement. He critiques political responses to civil unrest, pointing to a disconnect between leaders and communities. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for civil rights and genuine stability, challenging mainstream media narratives.
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Journalist Shot Covering LA Protests
- Ben Camacho was shot twice by rubber bullets while covering protests in Compton during an immigration raid situation.
- Despite wearing protective gear and a press pass, he experienced intense pain and had to flee the scene for safety.
Protests Escalated From Deportation Fears
- The protests started focused on stopping federal agents from deportations, especially by blocking vans.
- The escalation to street takeovers and fires was unexpected but rooted in deep community frustration.
Workplace Raids Escalated Anger
- The shift to targeting workplaces and indiscriminately arresting anyone resembling undocumented immigrants marked a tipping point.
- This aggressive, non-specific enforcement broke prior boundaries and escalated community anger.