The tear gas came first—then arrests, shouted accusations, and riot shields catching the Los Angeles sun. What began as a protest unfolded into confusion, with momentum overtaking intention.
Hours earlier, Maxine Waters had addressed the crowd, leading chants opposing immigration enforcement and framing the gathering as a defense of constitutional rights. The demonstration had been called to mourn two deaths and to challenge federal authority. Her presence elevated a local action into a moment of national attention. Continue reading…