In a dramatic and chaotic moment caught live on air, CNN national correspondent Jason Carroll was detained Monday night by riot police during his coverage of the escalating protests in Los Angeles.
The moment stunned viewers and raised fresh concerns about press freedom and the use of force during civil unrest in the U.S.
CNN’s reporter on scene in Los Angeles: I’m being detained.. pic.twitter.com/DANNms8ZZj
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 10, 2025
Carroll, a veteran journalist known for covering conflict zones and major political events, was seen with his hands behind his back as LAPD officers escorted him away from the protest zone near downtown LA. “You are being detained,” officers told him, despite his visible press credentials and multiple verbal identifications as a member of the media.
“They didn’t put me in zip ties, but they did grab my hands and moved me off to the side,” Carroll recounted later on-air. “We had been out there all day, clearly working. It’s something I wasn’t expecting.”
The incident unfolded just as CNN anchor Laura Coates was speaking to Carroll live. “Jason? What’s going on? I hear you. I think Jason Carroll’s being—what happened, Jason?” she asked, her voice rising in confusion as the feed became erratic.
CNN later confirmed Carroll was not formally arrested and was released without charge. LAPD has yet to comment.
Behind the Chaos: A City on Edge
The journalist’s detention came during the fourth night of protests against the federal government’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies. What began as peaceful demonstrations turned increasingly tense after President Donald Trump ordered thousands of troops into California without the consent of state leadership.
On Friday, Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. On Monday, he doubled down—dispatching an additional 2,000 Guardsmen plus active-duty U.S. Marines. The decision bypassed Governor Gavin Newsom, igniting a constitutional clash that now appears headed for federal court.
“This is a red line—and they’re crossing it,” Governor Newsom posted on X. “The Secretary of Defense is illegally deploying Marines onto American streets so Trump can have a talking point at his parade. We will sue to stop this. WAKE UP!”
Los Angeles, a sanctuary jurisdiction, has long resisted cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Trump’s move is being seen by critics as political theater designed to energize his base heading into the 2026 midterms.
Media Under Fire: A Growing Pattern
Carroll is not the only journalist to be caught in the crossfire.
Australian correspondent Lauren Tomasi of 9News was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the protests on Sunday. The network confirmed she and her cameraman were “safe” but highlighted the growing danger to reporters on the ground.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the risks journalists face while doing essential work,” 9News said in a statement.
British photojournalist Nick Stern was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery after a plastic bullet tore into his thigh. “I had my press card around my neck, a camera clearly visible. I was no threat,” he told the BBC.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), over 20 reporters have been injured or detained nationwide in the last 72 hours.
Trump vs. California: A Showdown Over Federal Force
President Trump remains defiant, posting on Truth Social:
“If Governor Gavin Newscum and Mayor Karen Bass can’t do their jobs… the Federal Government will solve the problem. RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
On Monday, he doubled down:
“If we hadn’t sent in the Guard, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.”
The White House has not provided clarity on the chain of command for the Marines now on Los Angeles streets—nor on the legality of the deployment without state consent.
What’s Next?
- Governor Newsom’s legal team is preparing an emergency injunction to block the military deployment, calling it “an abuse of executive power.”
- Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, have signaled they will join the suit.
- House Democrats are demanding an investigation, accusing the administration of trampling states’ rights and weaponizing the military against civilians.
Meanwhile, protests are expected to continue into the week, with organizers calling for a “People’s March for Justice” on Thursday, aiming to peacefully resist what they describe as a “federal occupation of American cities.”
“We are not looters. We are not rioters. We are citizens demanding our rights,” said protest organizer Mariela Juarez, speaking to local station KTLA. “We will not be silenced—especially not by Marines with assault rifles.”
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BE SAFE!! and i stand with LA.
Keep this reporter and juju in jail for 3 years waiting to see first Federal Judge!
Why?
Juju move to LA and deal with the crime. People have no right destroying others property let alone burning our flag. If I. Old I would drop a bomb on the whole city. I’d send a message. Don’t fuck with theUSA trump trying but assholes like u want to see this country fall so move to China. They’d love to have u disrespect their country. Take this phony next gen with u
Let’s see… illegal immigrants ( that’s right not undocumented migrants) who broke the law to come here, being sheltered by corrupt business people hiring them against the law being supported by state and local officials in violation of federal law now rioting against enforcement of the law causing physical damage and harm to property and complaining because the federal government brought in additional personnel to enforce law and order and journalists caught in the middle (wrong place, wrong time) and somehow the federal government is wrong to enforce the law?? Nonsense.
Bottom line is if citizens, who are the people guaranteed rights under the constitution was immigration laws changed then they should contact their congress person to let their voices heard! That’s how the system works!
Non-citizens have zero rights to complain about the laws!! Period neither peacefully or violently.
State and local officials are not responsible for protecting the sovereignty of the United States! That’s the job of the federal government- read the constitution and article 2 which is the supremacy clause. State and local governments have no right to ignore or violate federal law even by declaring sanctuary cities!! Period
Once again democrats think they are above the law. This was a well organized setup. Democrats have funded more chaos. I have some ideas of who and how pay for it.
Government officials and this includes democrats favorite judges, DA’s and others. Freeze their assets including overseas accounts. Rioters must pay back all government money they received or deport ASAP no due process when break our laws. Kick out of office and democrats who encourage this. Disbarment of all judicial system workers working for democrats and swamp. These people can’t work in official capacity of any kind the rest of their lives. They are striped of passports, guns and must sell all assets to put back in government debit. All overseas accounts emptied and given back to debt. This goes for their families and associates in business. Make sure our history books are made to put all corruption on their behalf in correct. Hold all accountable for rest of their lives not slap on hand. We can not ever go through again what the Bush’s, Clinton’s, Obama’s, Biden’s, Comey, Brennan, Schumer, Schiff and so many more have put us through. Cut the head of the snake off and chop all of the snake up and burn so never again. Our eyes are open wide so no more bull by swamp, media and so many more who benefited from our pain and suffering.
Not a big deal…Next