Los Angeles Is Not Burning: Dispatch from L.A.

Published: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:45 pm

Los Angeles Protests: A Reality Check

Recent protests in Los Angeles have sparked intense media coverage, prompting questions about the situation on the ground. A journalist, with experience covering protests in multiple cities since 2019, offers a nuanced perspective, challenging some prevailing narratives.

The journalist notes that the city is not under lockdown, despite a curfew imposed in a small downtown area. Life continues as usual for most residents, and the claim that Angelenos are living in terror is inaccurate. The author also refutes the idea that protesters are being bussed in or funded by specific individuals, calling it a simplistic explanation.

The author draws a distinction between the current Los Angeles protests and those in Portland in 2020. The Portland protests, which the author witnessed, were marked by violence and a lack of clear objectives, often targeting property. In contrast, the Los Angeles protests appear to have a specific goal: to stop the arrests of undocumented individuals. The author suggests that if the government were to halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, the protests would likely cease.

The author acknowledges that some violence may occur during protests, particularly at night, but emphasizes that this is a minority of participants. The author also expresses concern about the potential for escalation, particularly with increased military presence and the risk of violence.

BNN's Perspective:

While the author's on-the-ground perspective offers valuable insights, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential for bias. The author's experience in other protest environments may color their interpretation of the current situation. It is important to consider all perspectives and sources of information to form a complete understanding of the events unfolding in Los Angeles.

Keywords: Los Angeles, protests, curfew, violence, ICE, undocumented, Portland, media, law enforcement, Trump, riots, violence, police brutality, racial injustice

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