The Bunker – News without the nonsense Los Angeles protests: What it’s like on the ground – American Friction crossover
Jun 11, 2025
Ben Camacho, a journalist and co-founder of LA News Cooperative, shares his firsthand experience covering the explosive protests in Los Angeles. He vividly recounts the chaos he faced, including being shot with rubber bullets while on the ground. The conversation dives into the challenges reporters encounter amidst civil unrest, alongside issues of community trust impacted by law enforcement tactics. Camacho also sheds light on the launch of LA's first worker-led newsroom, emphasizing the importance of grassroots reporting in such turbulent times.
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Journalist Shot Covering Protests
- Ben Camacho was covering protests in Compton and was shot twice with rubber bullets despite having a press pass and standing behind a clear line from police.
- He experienced intense pain and had to flee the scene quickly to avoid further harm.
Protests Escalated from Blocking Vans
- The protests in LA initially aimed to stop federal agents from deporting people by blocking their vans.
- However, the movement escalated unexpectedly to include street takeovers, fires, and graffiti, indicating deep community anger.
Workplace Raids Escalated Fear
- Federal agents expanded their raids from homes to workplaces, increasing fear by targeting anyone who looks undocumented.
- This indiscriminate approach sparked outrage and a shift in public response to outright revolt.