Over the weekend, the situation in Los Angeles deteriorated as the Trump administration tries to clear people protesting immigration raids in Los Angeles. The methods used by the Department of Homeland Security officers, California National Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the LAPD escalated from simply encouraging protestors to disperse to wielding batons, deploying tear gas and firing other “non-lethal” projectiles at crowds.

There are two things to know in this moment: Who to follow and how to support them.

Who to follow

Like the wildfires earlier this year, independent journalists are out in force covering the clashes on the ground in Los Angeles. Some of the same journalists are out witnessing and chronicling a fluid situation. Like the LA fires, they’re also putting themselves in harm’s way. Several have posted photos of injuries caused by tear gas and the “non-lethal” (or “less lethal”) projectiles. Here are a few to follow:

• Sean Beckner-Carmitchel - A writer, photographer and videographer, Carmitchel was out on assignment today for LA Public Press.

• Joey Scott - A Los Angeles-based investigative journalist covering policing, prisons, protests, and surveillance.

• Adam Rose - COO of Starling Lab and staunch First Amendment advocate, Rose is helping journalists navigate the chaos legally and keeping a running tally of injuries.

• Lexis-Olivier Ray - An investigative journalist, Ray is covering the situation for indie news outlet LA Taco.

• J.W. Hendricks - Photographer chronicling the situation for CalMatters.

• Ben Camacho - Writes indie newsletter Inadvertent and has been sharing updates on X throughout the weekend.

• Mel Buer - An independent journalist, Buer pulled together a Bluesky starter pack of independent journalists working on the ground in Los Angeles right now.

How to support them

• If you’re following a newsletter and can upgrade to a paid subscription, do it.

• Many independent journalists have links to Venmo or Patreon accounts in their Bluesky or other social profiles. If you can afford it, go ahead and give them a financial boost.

• If you can’t afford to subscribe or donate, are there other ways you can help? Yes! Amplify their work, encourage friends to follow – or even reach out and ask if you can help on the operations side. They may need help editing, coordinating coverage, navigating arrest or First Amendment issues or reaching more sources.

If you’re an indie journalist out there covering this story, or others around the world, Lex Roman dropped a crucial post detailing exactly how you can make sure you’re giving your audience every opportunity to support you: