An immigration protest in downtown Los Angeles took a sudden turn on June 8, 2025, leaving Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi briefly injured while covering the event live for 9 News Australia.
Tomasi was reporting from the ground as crowds gathered to voice their opposition to recent federal immigration policies. The demonstration began peacefully, with protestors marching, chanting, and holding signs. But as evening approached, tensions between protestors and law enforcement escalated. Officers in riot gear moved in, and what had started as a peaceful rally turned volatile.
During a live segment, viewers watched as Tomasi was suddenly struck by what appeared to be a rubber projectile. Visibly stunned, she stepped away from the camera momentarily before confirming she had sustained only minor injuries. She later reassured concerned viewers through social media that she was safe and continuing her reporting duties.
“Back on the ground and still covering the story,” Tomasi posted on X (formerly Twitter), along with photos showing a large, agitated crowd, as well as law enforcement units deploying flash-bang grenades to disperse protestors. Her updates provided firsthand insight into the increasingly chaotic scene.
The protest was one of several to erupt nationwide in response to new immigration enforcement measures implemented earlier in the week. Critics have condemned the policies as overly aggressive and harmful to immigrant communities, prompting large-scale demonstrations in cities including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
Witnesses described a shift in the mood after police began moving in, reportedly to clear blocked streets. Protestors were heard shouting slogans while holding up signs that read “Families Belong Together” and “No Human is Illegal.” Law enforcement presence quickly intensified, with armored vehicles, helicopters overhead, and non-lethal crowd control tactics employed.
Despite the turmoil, Tomasi remained committed to documenting the moment, earning widespread praise for her professionalism under pressure. Colleagues and viewers alike commended her courage in the face of danger and her dedication to on-the-ground journalism.
As of now, no major injuries to protestors have been reported, but city officials confirmed that several arrests were made following clashes late into the night. Civil rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into law enforcement’s crowd-control response.
The situation in Los Angeles remains fluid, with more protests anticipated in the coming days. Meanwhile, Tomasi’s firsthand coverage continues to shed light on the unfolding events from the heart of the action.