Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was injured while reporting live from immigration protests in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, 2025. Tomasi, a correspondent for 9 News Australia, was on the scene when tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement suddenly escalated. During a live broadcast, she was hit by what appeared to be a rubber bullet, forcing her to briefly step away from the camera. Fortunately, she later confirmed she wasn’t seriously hurt and returned to covering the story.

Tomasi kept followers updated on social media, posting real-time footage of growing crowds, a significant police and military presence, and the use of flash bang grenades to disperse protesters. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic after recent federal immigration actions triggered widespread outrage across the city.

The protests kicked off on June 6 following multiple immigration raids that led to several arrests. In response, the federal government deployed National Guard troops to support local law enforcement, a decision that drew sharp criticism from California state officials. State leaders urged calm, emphasized the right to peaceful protest, and raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the enforcement actions.

As protests continue, advocacy groups are calling for legal aid for detained individuals and demanding accountability. Meanwhile, the national debate over immigration policy and law enforcement’s handling of protests remains front and center. The incident involving Tomasi has also renewed attention on the safety of journalists reporting from volatile situations.